***UPDATE**** I just retyped quite a bit (I am sure the first time around was much better) but this will have to do! *****WARNING IT IS A SUPER LONG POST-BUT WELL WORTH THE READ!********
Friday night as we drove, I was amazed at how green everything seemed. I always remember that drive to be dry and a little ugly. This time though, it seemed more beautiful than I remember , the blooming cacti, the sun setting and reflecting on the red rock, and the birds floating and soaring off in the distance. We were following Kathy and Barry (the brides parents- and her brother Brett). We had decided to stop at Payson- just a pit stop for the kids, a time to get out and stretch their legs and go to the bathroom. Our youngest, just turned two a few weeks ago, but it toilet trained, so we have to be sure to stop. I took Kalei into the women’s bathroom and Chad took the youngest two with him- he is such an awesome dad and a huge help! After we came out, I was standing in the parking lot with K, and we were just chatting with Kathy and out come Chad and the youngest two- so we decide to get in the car and get going. As we all hop into our car, Brighton says, that was really strange. So, I asked him what he was talking about. And he told me, Reesie just threw up like three times!” I looked at my husband and said really? We were both just happy that it didn’t happen in the car.
Shortly after, we were in Heber. We turned off at a small road that soon turned into a windy dirt road. It was dark by now, and with all the dust from the car we were following, we could barely see anything. As I was sitting, focusing on what was directly in front of me (so I wouldn’t get sick) I say to Chad, “What if they are really taking us to a spooky old house and put on a murder mystery?” He just laughed at me, but in my mind all the different scenarios played out. After what seemed like an hour, I can see a glowing light up a head and to the left. Immediately, I could feel the large Cheshire cat grin come across my face. It was such a beautiful site- the gorgeous lit up, beautiful, massive lodge. As we drove thru the iron gates, I thought to myself what a blessing it was for me to be hired for the job. We parked the car, and set out to meet he rest of the gang and have the grand tour.
As we walked around I could feel my face hurting from smiling so much- I could feel my skin stretch from ear to ear. Everything was so amazing and grand. I was truly amazed. The history alone was so fascinating. Each room had a theme based on the history of a certain family in their family tree. So, for instance, the kitchen was decorated in roosters because the family name that was dedicated to the kitchen was Peck. I was not the only one that was so thrilled to be offered this experience. Kalei, who is usually somewhat quite and to herself around strangers, said out loud- “This is the best day of my life!” To hear her say that was such a great moment for me- it is usually our son (who happened to be sleeping thru all of this) who expressed himself so easily. It was getting late, and we decided that we should put the two girls down for bed- although they were having such a great time. Once we got them settled, I was able to relax on the couch near the massive fireplace, and chat with Nicole and her mom. I was so happy to have this time. I love to hear people’s stories and what their life passions are and as we chatted- we all shared a little bit of what made each of us who we are. Meanwhile, Chad and the other guys started a game of Settlers- it was Chad’s first time playing- and even though he is not a night person, he seemed to enjoy himself.
Saturday morning came way too fast when all the kids were up by 6am- excited and ready for what adventures might be coming there way. We started with a delicious breakfast. We then followed with a little mini shoot of Jill and Spencer and their adorable little family. ( I hope to blog some of those images soon.) IT was so windy outside, that we didn’t really stay out too long….it was just too much for the little ones. Chad took my kids exploring and down into the basement- where their favorite things were- these giant LoveSacs that served as seats in the stadium basement theatre. I am telling you- this place was amazing.
While Nicole was getting ready- Christian and some of the other guys went out to ride on the zip line, and I of course was capturing some of the detail shots. It was so nice to have as much time as we needed, no rushing, no stress, just time and peace of mind. I would love it if all my couples would be able to set aside time for images of just them- either before hand or even a day after- it really makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.
Once everyone was ready, we began inside where the lighting was just amazing in several different locations. And Nicole looked amazing and Christian didn’t look to band himself ( I just LOVED how through out the day Nicole kept telling Chris how hot he was). The whole lodge was made out of trees and in the center of the lodge is a giant tree that spans from the main floor up to the second floor, and then beyond that to the super high raised ceiling. Again, everything was so grand! After we got all the inside shots we wanted, we headed outside to take some pictures utilizing the beautiful surroundings. It was a little bit of a challenge because we had crazy blowing winds- and we had to position a lot of the images to accommodate mother nature. Nonetheless, the images turned out beautiful and every once in a while, the wind gave a nice effect. We stayed out almost the whole day. We did come in side late afternoon for a snack break and to rest a little before the sun began to set- when we were going to head back out and enjoy the yummy golden hour. Nicole and Christian even stuck it out long enough to capture some awesome images of the moon, while they cuddled on the couch outside.
The day went beautifully and I was so happy that I was able to capture these images and moment for Nicole and Christian to enjoy for their lifetime together. Everyone called it a night fairly early ( I think we were all tired and we knew the morning would come soon enough once again).
On Sunday, Chris and Nicole had a 16 hour drive to Idaho- so they were up early and ready to go. As much as we had wanted to stay and enjoy Sunday, we decided it would be best to head home and get things situated. Saturday night, Kalei had woken up saying that her tummy hurt- so we figured, we should all just get home and get ready for the week ahead. On the way home, we stopped in Payson to have a little breakfast or lunch- maybe we should say brunch- we got some Chicken Noodle soup from Safeway’s deli and sat inside to eat it. When we were all done, everyone seemed to be doing better- their moods were chippers and they were excited to get home. As we drove along, Reese kept pulling in her ears and crying and calling my name. I kept reaching back trying to comfort her and assure her that we would be down the hill soon and that her ears would feel better. Then all of the sudden, she looked a little funny and then started throwing up again. The poor thing! I just know she wasn’t feeling 100% along with having a little bit of carsickness. So, we pull over to clean everything up and within a half hour, we are on our way home again. We did arrive safely and spent the next two hours cleaning out and disinfecting the car, washing the car sears etc…. but everyone was feeling good.
What a fun trip, and even though the kids were acting a little whinny and unruly, I am so glad that they got to come with me and share the experience. We are so grateful that we were invited to this wonderful place and we appreciate that Nicole’s aunt and uncle let the whole family join in the fun! I couldn’t go without saying a huge THANK YOU to Kathy (Nicole’s mom) for helping out so much that day- she was definitely a life saver and it was awesome to have an extra set of hands!
















