Maybe it's time to invest in some girl toys

With Geoff and Isaac off in Flaming Gorge, Lulu and I have had a couple days of momma/daughter time. It's been fabulous. I'm actually catching up on my work load during naptimes (did you know in my other life I'm a graphic designer?).

I wanted to get a couple pictures of her today because she's just so dang cute, but she only wanted to play. What's her deal? Kidding. But I did think this picture was funny when I looked back, seeing all the boy paraphernalia in our outdoor toy bucket. I guess we're counting on her being a tom-boy.

the Noble Family

I knew the second I shot these that they'd be my favorite.




I love meeting people who follow my blog. It's like we've been friends for years. Thanks for the lovely evening!

Sidewalk chalk...

does not taste good.

Pioneer Day

The day started out in a mad rush with Amy and kids to the Mapelton Parade. We ended up finding where it was ending so we were able to actually see most all of even though we were a half hour late. It was a really cute, small-town parade with most of the kids from the town being in the floats. It was blistering hot though, so after trying to brave the lines for a snowcone in the park afterwards, we opted for a line-less 7-11 for a Slurpee.

Elmo and Mickey were a huge hit. It's a good thing you can't see the guy in the Mickey Mouse outfit because he was probably staring at Isaac's ninja sword and thinking "what the?". And yes, Isaac must go everywhere with his cowboy hat. Gone are the blessed days when he let me choose his outfits for him.

We finished the day off at Jen's pool with lots of friends. We thoroughly enjoyed the water, friends and food! Thank you Jen!

An evening at the Hofheins

Our friends the Hofheins, have just built a BEAUTIFUL home in Mapelton so we went to go drool over it and have dinner (which was divine). They also have horses, goats, chickens and dogs. Isaac was thrilled to get to ride the horses, and frankly, so was I. I grew up with horses and riding them is quite nostalgic. Aside from the fact that Lucy was super tired and cranky about thirty minutes into our arrival, we hope they will still invite us back. We miss you!

Time with dad

Girls Camp photoshoot

I had the opportunity to go to camp with my dear friend and fellow Young Women's leader. Kiera and I both enjoy photography, so we brought our cameras along with the idea to go play with our cameras and take some photos of eachother. It was so much fun, although fairly uncomfortable for me to be on the otherside of the camera. We went on a hike, just the two of us while the girls were at the lake. The scenery was breathtaking.

So these are pretty much the only photos I have from camp. I decided to just enjoy the moment and not worry the rest of the time about taking photos since they had someone doing that.

And now, the beautiful Kiera Eve...















And here is a couple she took of me. Shortly after this next shot, I realized how unflexable I am and fell of this log and cut my foot. Lovely.





One of my favorites she took of me. And if you're just dying to see more of me, she posted them here.

Lulu and her dolly

Sage Elizabeth and Chloe Ruth

My sweet older sister Emily had her baby while I was away at camp. I was sad to miss being a part of her happiness on the actual day, but so happy that all went well. This is Emily and Ryan's first baby. I can't tell you how excited I am to see her in three weeks and get a camera on her!!

AND...did I mention that my eldest sister Sara also had a beautiful baby girl (Chloe Ruth) just a month ago? This is number six for her, but only her second girl. I'm anxiously planning a trip out to see her and the rest of her chillins.

AND if that wasn't enough happiness in one month, my little sister Laura just got home from her mission in Switzerland and Germany.

My cup runneth over!

He got a bike

I came home to an avid bike rider. We took Isaac to pick out a bike and helmet right before I left. I was literally biting my fist when we allowed him to choose which helmet and bike he wanted. Why must they all be so blasted bright and hideous?

How hilarious is he in the last picture? He posed like this and asked me to take a picture.

Girls Camp or Bust

I'm off to Girls Camp for the week. Geoff will be Mr. Mom and I must say I'm not a bit worried. Though I wish I wasn't leaving my kids so soon after being gone, I know they'll be just fine, and I am excited to spend time with the girls who I am over at church. I plan on returning filthy dirt and happy. See you soon!

Sites from Vienna Austria

We got to Austria after a very long plane ride, which involved me eating a fair amount of plane food, which I subsequently threw up in the taxi from the airport to our hotel. Thank goodness for the headrest that I bought because it came in a bag!

We were exhausted when we got to our hotel because of the time difference. We took a short nap and then I attempted to make myself presentable by straight-ironing my hair. I quickly learned that the electric conversion is not the same. TOTALLY burnt my hair. It was really depressing since I've been trying to grow it out. Guess I'm getting a haircut.

We decided to be true tourists and bought a two day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus ticket and went to all the major sites around the city for the next two days. I was happy we did so because we were able to see so much.

And for the true reason of our trip: Geoff's presentation at the Technical University went well. This was the first time I've actually been able to attend one, so it was a proud moment for me.

Here's just a few sites that we saw, I don't want to overload you too much!




We got a good chuckle out of this sign.






This image is purely to tell you of the rampage that went on at 3 of the 4 H&M's the we went to (all located within walking distance of eacthother!). In true Leah style, I pretty much only bought clothes for the kids.



Me sitting on one of the old preserved streets in Vienna. It is used in a lot of movies we were told.



And this was a very common site, Geoff looking at a map at the metro stations.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna (Austria)

Looking from the palace to the Gloriette.



Looking back at the palace.




Beautiful. And did you know they call paint this color, Schönbrunn Yellow?

Markets, oh how I love thee

Waiting at the beautiful Staatsoper.




Did you ever know how much I love a good market. I mean really love it? It drives me NUTS that we don't have any good ones here. Fresh everything. I was in heaven here at the Vienna Naschmarket.

The VERY LONG train ride to Croatia

Geoff and I devoured the kebabs in Vienna. We ate them all the time on our last trip to France and we so excited to see them again. Delic!







FYI, if you are thinking of doing a similar trip as us, RENT A CAR! The train ride was about 16 hours long, more than double what it would have been to drive. We didn't know though and had bought Eurail Passes before we left so we were stuck.

Truly amazing

This is my friend Nina, and her little sister. You may remember Nina from this post. You might also remember that she is from Slovenia. Well, we tried to arrange a time to meet up on our way through Slovenia, but it wasn't looking good. Then, around 10pm, on the Slovenian and Croatian border, this girl came into our cabin on the train asking if I was Leah Wright. Turns out Nina's little sister just happened to be on the same train as us and called Nina for a ride home. Nina told her to walk through the train and look for us, just in case it happened to be the same train, at the same time, at the same location. Well it was! I jumped out at the next stop and we gave eachother a huge hug. Both her and her sister were so sweet and we were both so flabbergasted that we managed to meet up! Not only was I very excited, but very sweaty as you can see from the sick picture, but it's the only one I have.

I am still so shocked that it all worked out as it did and I finally got to meet Nina.

Split, Croatia

We were thrilled to finally make it to Split. We got their early in the morning and while booking a room in a house, met a couple from Sweden. We ended up spending the next 2.5 day with them, and you would have though we'd been friends for ages. We absolutely loved their company and hope we will remain friends with them for a very long time. Unfortunately, the only picture we got someone to take of all of us was blurry. Boo.

We were only there briefly, but did got to the market and to Diocletian's Palace which truly blew my mind. I had no idea such a thing would be in Croatia!


"Diocletian's Palace is a building in Split in Croatia that was built by the emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD. Diocletian built the massive palace for his retirement after abdicating on May 1, 305 AD. It lies in a bay on the south side of a short peninsula running out from the Dalmatian coast. This palace is today, with all the most important historical buildings, in the centre of the city of Split. Diocletian's Palace far transcends local importance because of its degree of preservation. The Palace is one of the most famous and complete architectural and cultural features on the Croatian Adriatic coast, and holds an outstanding place in Mediterranean, European and world heritage."








Yep, this is how they weigh produce at the markets. Wow.

Island of Hvar

Hvar was an hour ferry ride from Split. It was GORGEOUS! Probably my most favorite location we went to. We stayed on the lower level of a house with our Swedish friends and got eaten alive by mosquitoes at night since we had to leave the windows open because there was no air conditioning. We were just a short walk from the beach front and spent a lot of time swimming in the water, gawking at massive boats and their ritzy occupants, eating tons of ice cream, hiking, and soaking in that delicious Mediterranean sun.




The beautiful old square where everyone hangs out, and we made-out.

Peklani Islands

We rented a boat for all of $60 with our Swedish friends for the day and went around to these islands off the island of Hvar where we were staying. We found sandy beaches, ate a delicious picnic, and saw a lot of nudity.

Geoff manning the boat.






Don't ask.