Bluff Balloon Festival

Every year Bluff has a balloon festival in January.  Last year we had attempted to go, but when we got down there we couldn't find it.  Sounds a little silly but they only fly the balloons in the early morning and Bluff isn't as big as it sounds.  When you immediately can't find a large group of people that are supposed to be gathered, you begin to feel discouraged.  This year we did find the festival at the perfect time.  The "balloon glow" is an event that happens at night and allows the land bound festival-goers a chance to enjoy the balloons up close and personal.  We were even able to be the "crew" for one balloon.  Chris manned the large fan that initially filled the balloon with air.  I held the balloon up to get the air directed in the right path.  At one point I honestly thought that the balloon would lift me off the ground.  It was quite the experience.  One that I will hold on to for the rest of my life! 

 We were also able to watch the filled balloon leave the ground and rise into the air.  The flame seem uncontrollable, and I freaked out for a few moments, but we were with experts!  The balloon left the ground safely, and the heat was delicious on our skin.

 These are a few shots of all of the balloons for the glowing.  There were so many beautiful balloons to enjoy. 

 This was my favorite balloon.  It was beautiful!

 The balloon in the center is the one that we were the "crew" for.  It was a giant from below!

Christmas Hats

We bought these great hats for the dogs at Alco.  Once when Indie was walking away from City, City bit her hat and held on to it.  The problem was she was still walking.  She choked for about 10 seconds until the strap finally broke. 

 The two stylish puppies assisted by Chris.  Hopefully we'll have little ones to dress up for holidays in the future.  I don't think City and Indie will stand for much more torture. 

Valley of the Gods and Moki Dugway

For New Year's Chris, my mother, and I were able to drive through Valley of the Gods.  This park is across the desert from Monument Valley on the Arizona border.  Monument Valley is part of the Navajo reservation and it costs a pretty penny to go through.  Valley of the Gods is a national park and doesn't cost a thing to drive through.  The monuments weren't as famous, but they were just as beautiful. 

 Our favorite monument was the Woman in Bath monument.  If you can make it out, you will see a woman relaxing in a red rock bathtub on the left of this picture. 

 We also stumbled upon Moki Dugway while visiting Valley of the Gods.  I have wanted to find this drive for awhile, but never figured out where exactly it was.  This road is a dirt and gravel roadway dug right out of the mountainside.  It has as many switchbacks as possible.  The top of the dugway was extremely high above the desert floor.  You could see the Abajo Mountains by Monticello and the Sleeping Ute Mountains in Colorado as well as the monuments on the Arizona border.  It was a little too foggy to see Shiprock in New Mexico.  Living in the four corners area does have some benefits... the views.

In the center of the picture above is a building.  This is the Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast.  This home is literally in the middle of nowhere with nothing around it but open space.  I think life in Blanding is hard because there aren't a lot of shopping opportunities.  These poor souls have it worse than we do.  I don't know how they do it!

I haven't blogged in such a long time.  I figured I would get back on the wagon with a blog overload.  Here are a few pictures of our beautiful puppies!  We love them both so much. 

Indie and City cuddling on the floor.  City is really patient with her even though she bites his cheeks and feet.  Sometimes I am afraid she will break the skin. 

 They love to sleep on the sofa together.

 I got this cutie while waiting in the car with the puppies.  City is such a photogenic dog.  It surprises me that he will let me take pictures of him.  Indie on the other hand does not let me take pictures!

 Indie likes to sleep spread eagle for some odd reason.  You would think that she would have some modesty... 

 We figure Indie is about 3 1/2 months old right now.  We got City when he was a lot older than Indie is.  It is very apparent when we try to train her and in her interactions with us.  She has picked up sit, down, potty, and shake already, but sometimes she thinks she can boss us around.  We hope to keep training her for awhile to come.