Outside, two ways.

Two reasons summertime rocks: mountain hikes and movies under the stars.

Warm weather means spending as much time as possible outside. We have awesome hiking and biking trails all around us, and multiple options for outdoor movie nights. We did “outside” TWO WAYS yesterday!

First of all, Summit Park Peak: I call a do-over!

The other day, we were in the right place at the right time for a sweet beast named Petey, but our intended hike didn’t happen. Yesterday, we escaped the landscaping madness at home to give it another shot. Cholula was occupied with her puppy playdate, so it was just us!

It didn’t take long to get past the site of the squirrel standoff from the other day. The late afternoon sun was beautiful, glimmering through the trees. The trail system is pretty extensive, so we had our choice of direction. It’s my favorite kind of hike- rolling ups and downs that get your heart going while remaining enjoyable.

According to their names, hiking these trails will help you work off your ribs and pancakes!

We made it to a gorgeous viewpoint, and saw our neighborhood across the valley. We paused for a photo and a smooch before heading down the hill.

It was on to our next summery adventure: an al fresco dinner and an outdoor movie. The Sundance Institute Summer Series was showing a film outside at The Canyons Resort. You might remember when we headed to Red Butte Gardens earlier this summer to see Under African Skies, part of the same series. My brother, whose work event was over, was staying with us for a bonus night together, too!

We had dinner and drinks, then headed to the resort. The screen was set up in the central courtyard area and it was clear we’d have our choice of seating. The sun was just starting to hide behind the mountains as we settled in.

The Canyons hosts summer concerts in this park zone, which is surrounded by hotel rooms and restaurants and shops. We’ve spent a few 4th of July celebrations here. The resort allows picnics and adult beverages at these events. We came prepared with a bottle of wine, and John did the honors as the movie began. I just love kicking back on a blanket, shoes tossed aside and bare feet in the grass. We had no idea what the movie would be like, but it was free, so who cares?

Being part of the Sundance Film Festival, it wasn’t surprising that the movie was really good. Unfortunately, we have no idea how it ends! There was a sound glitch that made it impossible to follow along, and instead of waiting it out, we left. Patience FAIL. We’ll have to keep an eye out for it on the Sundance channel. Even though we didn’t see the whole movie, there’s just something about the experience of being outside that made it awesome.

It’s days like these that make me so glad we have a lot of summertime left.

Happy Friday!