Banff... Almost

For months now we have been planning to use our timeshare condo in beautiful Banff, BC Canada. Unfortunately we made it only as far as the Canadian border and no further.

We drove to Helena, MT and stayed there overnight as it was about half-way to Banff. The next morning we drove through Glacier National Park and stopped for a little hike.

Little did we know, our plans to enter Canada and vacation for a week were about to be denied.

We came to the Port of Piegan and were told to talk with the immigration officers since it was Brandon's first time going to Canada. Apparently since 9-11 travel into Canada has become a lot more difficult: if you want to read more about why: go here. Brandon's little misdemeanor from 20 years ago proved to be a reason he was deemed "inadmissible to Canada."

So... in 3 days we:

• Drove 1,600 miles
• Stayed in 2 low-end motels in the middle of nowhere
• Ate at McDonalds (twice), Pizza Hut and DQ
• Lost $800 on our timeshare vacation
• Cried a few tears and said some angry words toward the Canadians
• Spent over 24 hours in the car

Shove off hosers, eh?

Telephone Canyon

In May we took our annual trip to Zion and took on some canyoneering in Telephone Canyon.

This canyon was supposed to be "dry," but the record snowfall and precipitation this year has rivers running high everywhere in the state right now!

We start out on the West Rim Trail...

It was a long day for the 7 of us. 10 hours of hiking and rappelling through a beautiful canyon.

Nick, Brandon, Brittany, Emily, Chilly, Pete and Anthony.

Just one of 13 rappels in the canyon. With 7 people it took us quite a while to get through.

By the time we exited the canyon and still had to hike back down it was getting dark. Luckily the full moon led us down the path!

Birthday Boy

Hint: This boy doesn't like to celebrate birthdays... but his wife does. He's been getting spoiled all weekend long!

After an incredible snowstorm and one of the best powder days of the ski season together, a low-key weekend at his mom's was just what he wanted.

On the menu: Khoreshe Geimeh (delicious homemade Persian food; courtesy of Brandon's mom). Dessert: mint chocolate chip ice cream cake roll; courtesy of Baskin Robbins. I tried to make him a cake but this is what he wanted!

Anthony and Annie say Happy birthday too!

It's all about LOVE

This past weekend was a very special time for the Bench family. Although I don't have pictures of Baby Qhloi's parents, they were "officially" made a family. The court declared the adoption was final, and on Saturday she was sealed to them in the Bountiful temple. Sunday was her blessing in church and what a wonderful occasion that was!

Courtney is part of our family, and being pregnant with her first baby makes Grandma Glad very happy since she has given up on her twin grand-daughters from having babies ;-)

There was quite a spread at the Bench's after the blessing and no shortage of jokes from these guys!

Age of Aquarius

As if we need an excuse to all get together... most of us have February birthdays.

Qhloi brought her party hat to the family birthday celebration.

Grandparenting looks good on them.

Who else but Pat Bench makes 3 different desserts for all 3 b-day girls?

All together we are 96 years old

One of the best b-day/ Valentines gifts ever- Sarah Mc Lachlan at Kingsbury Hall. Thanks babe!

Giving Thanks Mexican style

Our Thanksgiving week this year was a family affair in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Getting the whole Fallahi/ Fox family to the beach was just what we needed!

We really love this place...

Some of the high lights were: kayaking out to Land's End and having a picnic on Lover's Beach,

Nights out at some yummy Mexican restaurants,

Driving up to Todos Santos where we visited the Hotel California,

Of course spending every day at the beach,

Celebrating Jan's 60th b-day and Thanksgiving dinner at the Pithayas (world-class 5 star restaurant on the property of our resort)

Taking a catamaran out at sunset around the bay,

Deep sea-fishing for the guys,

good old family time,

and some of this too!

Trick or Treat

What says Halloween more than a Jack O' Lantern? Well, a 7 layer dip of course!

This costume lasted right around 90 seconds. Clearly Cole feels left out.

Jan showing off the graveyard brownies I made. Time-consuming little buggers.

All for the birthday boy Chris. He turned 30+11 on Halloween!

Canyonlands "Other Half"

If you ever want to experience the beauty of southern Utah, you should go in the fall. Moab this fall in particular was the best it's ever been!

We went mid October for the 1/2 marathon I signed up for back in May... taking it easy at Ken's Lake the day before the race.

75 degree weather, fall leaves set against the redrock and bright blue sky, a million stars in the night sky viewed through the tent, fun with friends- it all made for a wonderful time!

My sister and I ran the whole way together. We got an amazing boost at mile 10 where our guys were waiting for us next to the road to cheer us on and give us a kiss as we passed by.

Em really is having a good time no matter how fake that smile is :-)

Running down this canyon next to the Colorado river with all the excitement of the runners with us made the 13.1 miles sail by! It was a little overcast in the beginning making for the perfect temps. The race was extremely well organized (much better than the Provo Canyon 1/2). Water/ gatorade and enthusiastic volunteers at every other mile and drummers at the last hill before we headed down to the Sorrel Ranch were a great touch. Emily and I went for the twin power when it was getting tough at the end- running arm in arm through the finish line. What an unforgettable experience!

Spoiled much?

We've waited a long time for a baby to spoil in this family...

So these two "aunties" threw a baby shower.

These lovely ladies have lots of good advice for the new mom.

True Wendi style.

Jen, Hillary, Emily, Courtney, Natalie.

Each knot tied with love.

Oh this girl is going to be so spoiled...