Thursday, May 5, 2011

COME PLAY ...IN MY BACKYARD.

WELCOME TO UTAH
We have lots of tourist from all over the world in Utah every summer to see all of the beauty of the red rock country and in winter for the greatest skiing on earth. If you didn't know...


With 5 National State Parks and Monument Valley, Utah is America's National Parks Capital. Oh, and lets not forget Lake Powell, the most beautiful place on earth to set sail with a house boat full of friends and family.

Utah is also the Gateway to... the Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.-Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado-Great Basin National Park, Nev.- Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.-Grand Teton National Park, Wyo.
All these national parks are located fairly close together, you can experience them all in a two week trip by taking The Grand Circle.



Come see me first...this is my little town, it sits nestled up against red mountains.


This is one of the beautiful sights I look at everyday. My house is right behind
the dark horse in the middle... it's that little white speck behind his head.


~My home~
Now that you have stayed a couple of nights with us and I have got to spoil you and you have enjoyed all there is to see here, take off in any direction and go see all the awesome sights that fill up this beautiful state of Utah. May I suggest you start at Capital Reef National Park, it's just 10 minutes south of our home.

Next, you can head to Arches National Park and then Bryce National Park, next Canyon lands National Park. and then on to Zions National Park and then Monument Valley.

You will think you are have died and gone to Heaven. It is snowy in the winter time and Spring comes late here and we don't have the ocean or palm trees but it is full of beauty everywhere.

Oh, and get your camera out as fast as you can, I promise, you will go home with a million beautiful pictures...Enjoy!






































I hope you had a great vacation in my back yard...Come again next year, I know there is so much that you didn't get to see yet! It'll be a new discovery every time you come for it is a special land, full of discovery every time you come. You never know what you may see, from all kinds of wild life to Indian ruins. The sky seems bluer here and bigger than you have ever seen it before and the great peace of it all will dwell in your heart forever.

Now head up to Salt Lake City and go to Temple Square and listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir...whatever you do, don't miss this!

I hope you enjoyed your visit, come again, I'll leave the light on for you!

****

GIVE A WAY...NEXT POST!




86 comments:

Garden of Egan said...

Oh my goodness!
I hope the state of Utah paid you for that. If they didn't they SHOULD!

What time is dinner?

Beautiful pictures.

Sharon said...

What beautiful sites. I truly love the one you have out your window.
With that view I may never what to leave.LOL
I was out in Utah several years ago to visit my aunt and cousins.
They showed us some beautiful sites around their town and I hated to leave then.
Have a nice day.

Mildred said...

Hi Julie, Such beautiful scenery! I recognize many of the scenic spots from my brother and husband's trip out west last May. They certainly had a fabulous time and took thousands of photos of your lovely state. Your home is in a magnificent setting and I know you feel very blessed. Thanks for sharing the tour; I really enjoyed it!

Valerie said...

Gorgeous pictures! I think Capital Reef & Boulder Mountain are calling my name!!! It has been a while since we've been down that way. :)

Leslie said...

My gosh Julie, it is so hard for me to grasp the beauty ~ I just can't believe a word so lovely exists.
Have a great week

Barbara F. said...

All I can say is wow.......Julie, you live in a spectacular part of our great country. I hope to get out west and visit this beautiful state. I made it to Arizona, Nevada and California. I think the Governor of your state should proclaim Julie Harward Day and give you the keys to the state! xo,

janis said...

tah is truly one of the most beautiful states! Hubby and I enjoyed a week of your loving state for our Honeymoon back in December 1986. Park City Utah & Deer Valley♥
LOVED EVERY MINUTE & EVERYONE WE RAN INTO.

Sher said...

I loved looking at your pictures. You are so blessed to wake up to that view everyday. I don't know what that the one picture of the winding blue water is from but it's stunning! It's one of the pics closer to the top. Just beautiful!

Le Chateau des fleurs said...

So pretty! I have not seen it all. I hiked the subway. 9 hours! It was amazing!
Love ya!

Sew A Little Happiness said...

I agree with my friend from Garden of Egan(lol)

Your pictures are heavenly!
I enjoyed my visit, thanks for leavng a light on!
Have a great week!
I love Beautiful UTAH!

LDH said...

You really do have some beautiful sights around you there in Utah! Amazing beauty!

Katherine said...

WOW! Thank you for taking us on a journey through your backyard. It is nothing short of amazing... absolutely stunning views. Your house, which I am certain is huge, looks so tiny in that picture. These pictures depict just how big our planet truly is.

Ann said...

I've never been to Utah but after seeing all those gorgeous pictures I want to. I'm in awe of all the beauty

Tracy said...

Oh my gosh Julie...those photos are absolutely gorgeous!! WOW!! Seriously, beyond pretty! When did you say my bedroom would be available?
...just thought I'd ask :)

happeningswithLana said...

Julie, I would love to come see your state and even meet you. Maybe some year I will. Can always dream. The tour you gave is GREAT!

Lily said...

I LOVE this post! Especially that horse picture...so gorgeous :) I've only been to Utah once and it was an accidental overnight after missing a flight to WA. But I'd love to actually visit, everything looks beautiful!

Lucy (aka rharper) said...

Boy you're not kiddin'! So beautiful up there. I have to go to Idaho this summer and I always want to go up a different way. I usually never do it because of time and $$$$$ but I want to.

Connie said...

I'll be right over! Gorgeous pictures of this beautiful state of ours.

WomanWhoRunsWithHorses said...

You have a beautiful home nestled in a beautiful canyon, Julie. Most of all, you are a beautiful soul. God bless you for all the smiles you give to all who know you ...even if some of us only 'know' you on the 'net.

: )

Saimi said...

Absolutely stunning pictures and my husband would agree. He already believes that the Celestial Kingdom is Moab...It's his favorite place on earth!

I'll be looking for your light the next time we head over there. Hubby can ride his bike and we can eat and visit!

A Vintage Chic said...

Aaaahhhh, Utah....I love it so! What a guide you are, Julie! Such gorgeous photos--wish I could be there right now!

Hoping you're having a wonderful day, my friend!

Julie

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

You live in an amazing and beautiful place!!!

GardenofDaisies said...

Julie, these pictures are awesome! You really do live in a beautiful part of the the country!!! I never thought about it before, but you do have a lot of national parks there!! Lucky you!!

gnee @ Singing With Birds said...

You do live in a beautiful place, and you'd like to take care of me for 2 days? I'm on my way!

Brandi said...

Wow! What a gorgeous place to call home! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and state!

Liesl said...

Oh Julie,I want to come play in your back yard! Stunning pics,one day I will come see America(would not mind living there at all!)My husband has been there twice(before we met).

Sydney said...

So spectacular. I am speechless! HA!

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Wow Julie! Absolutely breathtaking!! Can I say I've been to Utah now? I think so!!
hugs,
paula:)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OMG Julie,
You sold me girl! The pics are just outstanding! Hubby has been there and he absolutely loved it!
It's one of the few states I haven't been to and definately on my list! Plus I could stop and see you, now how cool is that!

Kerin said...

We sure are lucky to live in such a beautiful state :)
So many beautiful places to visit and things to see !
Thanks for sharing your pictures... have a great day !

Jeanette said...

WOW! Just...wow! How gorgeous is that place??!! I have a coworker that is moving next week to..I wanna say St. Charles? not too far from Zion National Park. Lucky her and lucky you for living in such a gorgeous area! Thanks for my virtual vacation!

Marie said...

Julie, you surely live in a beautiful place! I have been to Utah once, but it was the SLC area and North of there. I did not get South, and it was also in February so very cold and snowy! It is my dream to one day visit the south and in the warmer weather! xxoo

Gypsy Heart said...

I'm there! Yes, it is a beautiful state and so spacious. SLC is an amazing city too and yes, the Tabernacle Choir is a must.

xo
Pat

Gypsy Heart said...

I'm there! Yes, it is a beautiful state and so spacious. SLC is an amazing city too and yes, the Tabernacle Choir is a must.

xo
Pat

Jewls said...

Love those pictures! We've really been wanting to take a trip down south...hopefully we'll get to this summer!

no spring chicken said...

Wow! Do we serve a creative God or what?

Blessings, Debbie

Nezzy said...

I must say your backyard is a most beautiful place to visit! Whew, what a vacation! :o)

God bless and have a marvelous day sweetie!!!

Patti said...

You should be working for the tourism department of your beautiful State of Utah. Drove thru there once on way to CA. Utah is awesome, so different from where I live. How lucky are we to live in these United States where such diverse beauty abounds around every corner.

grandkrumps said...

You have made me absolutely HOMESICK!!!! Nauvoo is beautiful, of course, but there are so many memories of my childhood wrapped up in those fabulous photographs! Love you! G

MarySue said...

You showcased gorgeous photos of beautiful Utah. I've only lived there as a student at BYU but am so happy that I now have loads of family up there which mandates frequent trips. IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES ON EARTH.

Karie's Chic Creations said...

Oh Julie, what a beautiful post. I am a native Utahn. Never lived anywhere else and never want to. We are so blessed. I live in the north and it is beautiful here too. Just spent 5 days and Easter in southern Utah with my brother and his family. Theya are further south in Kanab. We hikes Zions, played at the Coral Sand Dunes and many more fun things. Thank you for posting such a beautiful post. You just never know I may come visit you. Hugs, Karie

NanaDiana said...

I have been to your state 2 or 3 times. I have to tell you that Bryce National Canyons has always fascinated me. We took the horse ride down into the canyon and it was glorious. You have a beautiful state! xxoo Diana

Doreen said...

Oh Julie- your view is breathtaking along with the many other views you posted. I am always amazed at God's gorgeous creation. He was totally showing off in your neck of the woods!
Doreen

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

Oh my, how beautiful. Thanks for the eye candy - I believe I may just go back now for another view!

Bluebirds and Butterflies said...

Beautiful photos! Another beautiful area for me to put on my list of places to see... Thanks for sharing! xoxo Kim

Bluebirds and Butterflies said...

Beautiful!!!!! Great and breathtaking photos! So many awesome places in our great United States! xoxo Kim

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

My goodness, Julie! Each time I see pictures of your pocket of the world, I go oooh and aaah. It seems so far from the world I know. I think you live very close to nature, just beautiful!
Have a lovely evening and a wonderful midweek, sweet friend xxxx

Deborah said...

Wow Julie this is breath-taking!!
And you live here!!!!!
Thank you for taking me through a tour of where you live...beautiful!!

Deborah xoxo

BEAR's Mom said...

hubby and i took a 2 week road trip about 10 years ago...drove from PA to CA and back again!!! i remember UTAH being one of the loveliest places i'd ever seen...
this was a great reminder of that trip...thanks for the memories :D
BEAR HUGS
~victoria~

blessedmom's simple home said...

What beautiful parks indeed! I've been to Bryce, Arches, and Zion, but there are still a couple I haven't seen. You do live in a very beautiful state :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Susan B said...

Hi Julie,
Gorgeous photos of Utah! The last time I visited there was about four years ago, and it is beautiful! I would love to visit Arches, and the other National Parks. Hopefully we will be able to travel again in the next couple of years. Thank you for sharing about your lovely state!!

Have a lovely week! :)

bj said...

We have enjoyed many of the places you mentioned in your lovely state. Lake Powell is still one of our favorite places. We were there only once, when our kids were little but we've never forgotten it.
xo bj

Paula said...

Oh, Miss Julie~ you live in such a beautiful place! I would love to see that part of the country some day!

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

Hi!

This is my very first time here and I'm loving your blog. These pictures are so beautiful!

Drop by my blog if you have a minute. It would a pleasure having you there.

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

bellaboo said...

Thanks for the amazing tour..and for the fact that I didn't have to travel anywhere to see those wonderful sights! :0)

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Gorgeous! Thanks for the vacation! That was the most economical one I've ever been on. Will have to do this again!

Midlife Mom said...

What gorgeous pictures of your beautiful state!!!!! I have only been in the Utah airport changing plans for some place else so have never seen all the beautiful sights. You don't need any palm trees, it's gorgeous without them.

I'm printing off your cinnamon roll recipe. It just makes my mouth water looking at it.

So sorry a couple of your grandkids were sick over Easter but I hope they were well soon and got to enjoy their Easter baskets!

paperbird said...

julie this is so beautiful. my husband and i really need to drive out of our comfort zone and visit this amazing area. we always think we need to get on a plane but look what we are missing!
thanks for the mini vacation :-)

Deila said...

Ok, this is one of my most favorite spots of all. We looked at property there. I love it. Great photo vaca there too. Things I have yet to see. We loved hiking the Narrows when the kids were young.

Julie said...

I CAN COMMENT!!! it took! I am trying as fast as I can to comment on everyone's blog that I have been losing all my commments to the black hole this past week or two. I never ever know when it will work. Got some tips today...Just want to say HEY, and that I am so enjoying, (as always) visiting with you. I would love to come and play in your back yard...WHAT beauty. Love that bluebird. I hope you are healing up well, and just having fun with the warmer days coming your way! Sounds like you and your hubby have had lots of fun lately...So glad to be able to talk to you...thanks so much for visiting with me...HUGS to you Julie..I hope this dang commenter problem will get fixed. I yelled for Help from my daughter Kat today...Maybe she can clean up my files and troubleshoot so I can always chat with you. It's hard to read a post you want to respond to and not be able to....GRRRRRR..xoxo

Rita May said...

Thanks for visiting me at MAY DAYS. Your pictures are amazing. I loved visiting Utah. Beautiful country. I'll be back to look at more of your blog.
Rita

Laura Lynn said...

I love Utah and those pics. are amazing! I also love that milk cap on your sidebar.

My uncle found one of the old family milk caps when he was tearing out some flooring on the farmhouse and they used it for the family reunion logo. I wish I had an original but I am going to re-copy.

Fun blog!

Thanks
Laura Lynn

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

You live in a truly beautiful part of our country, Julie!

Barb said...

Hi Julie!

All I can say is . . . STUNNING!! I love Utah, I love Arizona, what magnificent pictures of that unusually lovely state! Thanks for the tour... ;0)

Hugs,
Barb

P.S. Loved your comment on my blog - God is so good to us!

Sue said...

Your house is nestled in such a gorgeous spot! Lucky you:) I already know that Utah is a BEAUTIFUL state, but now you have convinced me further with all of these amazing images! Thanks for the inspiration:)

Bonnie said...

Wow! This is so fantastic. Very different from where we live and just as beautiful. We may come there someday to live. We are so undecided on what to do so we are staying put until inspiration guides our path. Just don't know what is next for us but we definitely want to serve a mission. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos!

Hugs, B

Kathy said...

Awesome. Just awesome - how beautiful this is - never knew - I was just thinking my son would love this! He needs to take a vacation - this would be a marvelous place for him to visit -on his motorcycle.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful corner of the world,
Kathy

jules said...

Those pictures are so beautiful but I'm sure they don't come close to actually being there. If I showed you landscapes of here it would be just pastures and cows.

Catherine said...

Very nice place, maybe i will visit some day! i went on the east coast only.Your house look so small just in front of the mountains!I love your daughter's Easter pictures and the cinamon rolls recipe, will have a try! Blessings Catherine

Gloria said...

Absoulutely gorgeous!!! You are indeed one blessed "sweet" lady! It is amazing that is where your house is located. It looks so unreal,,,the beauty of it all. God has been so good to you...:)

And believe me...I DO know how beautiful Utah is! We vacationed there every Summer. My dad drove us all over that State to show us where (most of us kids) were born. We moved to California when I was about 7 years old. I do remember having memories living in Salt Lake City because that is where we lived at the time we did move. I am so thankful for having such wonderful Summer vacation memories of this beautiful birth place...:)

Thanks for the photo vacation! :)

Have a very Happy Mother's Day, dear friend!!

xoxo...Gloria

Ann-Marie ~ Brambly said...

Breathtaking photos!

Ann-Marie

Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow said...

Julie, Utah should hire you as their best Tourist Bureau!! One of our friends is heading to a Grand Canyon excursion with his brother next week. I can tell they are in for a treat!! Happy Mother's Day to you! blessings ~ tanna

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Just stunning and so beautiful!! It has been a long time since I have been to Utah and I forgot how beautiful it is there--And these are just the photos! Of course I have friends there and now I think I'm going to have to plan on going to see them!

I hope you are doing well!! THANK YOU stopping by my blog and leaving such kind and thoughtful comments!! I hope your week is ending on a good note!

Creative Mish said...

Wow those pictures are amazing! I've never been to Southern Utah! So beautiful!

Mimi Sue said...

Beautiful pics of our beautiful state. Have a wonderful Mother's day. Mimi

Maria said...

Julie! This is incredible!!!
I will keep this up for a while because I want to enlarge all the photos!
I'm also stopping by to wish you the very best day tomorrow... and always!!!
Mother's Day is EVERY DAY!
God bless you now and always,
Maria

Anne Fannie said...

I love Utah. That's where most of my grandchildren are!
Have a wonderful Mother's Day!
Hugs, Ann

Sue said...

What a beautiful state to not only visit but to live in as well, Julie.
I wanted to come by and wish you a very blessed and happy Mother's Day.
Hugs,
Sue

Rosie said...

WOW...I am speechless, and my dear husband would attest that IS a rare occurrence. You do live in an amazing little piece of Gods creation.
Hope this day finds you sitting back, being thoroughly pampered and soaking in all the LOVE and AFFECTION your family can dole out.

Have a Marvelous Mothers Day with your SWEET, SWEET children, enJOYing each and every moment of this VERY special day...xo...Rosie

Scrappy Girl said...

Wow! All of those photos are gorgeous! Your state is beautiful. I love how tiny your home appears with those monstrous red mountains behind it. Wow!

Debby said...

I can't believe the beauty that surrounds you. Wow, it is so beautiful.

marĂ­a cecilia said...

There is so much beauty all around my dear Julie!! Love the red mountains and so many things I just can´t explain in my poor english and, is it from Yelowstone park that Yogui bear comes??
and your backyard (jaja!)is completely wonderful and magnificent!!!
hugs my dear

Cindy said...

You do live in an amazing part of the country. I have seen much of it, all but the Grand Canyon, and I have been to Yellowstone 6 or 7 times. Last summer was the most recent visit. When folks tell me they are taking their children to Disney Land, I say "Oh, why don't you take them to see the wonders that God has created first!" My folks took us to see many of the wonders that God created, even the Salt Lake when I was young, I got to swim in it.
The Badlands of North and South Dakota look much like your photos. God has such an imagination and love for beauty, obviously, to create such scenery for us! Aren't we blessed!
Thank you for the beautiful tour, I want to go tomorrow~!~ And we will stay with you one night!
I wish!
love and hugs, Cindy

from my front porch... said...

Just gorgeous, Julie! You and I do live in ~heaven on earth~ don't we?!
Thank you so much for the tour. Now go play with your sweet pup :)
xo, misha

Marie said...

WOW! What a beautiful state. This
USA is a wonderful place to live. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Love,
Marie

Susan R said...

These are truly and honestly the most amazing and beautiful photos I've ever seen of Utah. You are a pro that's for darn sure.