Nature's Goodness

Finally a summer came and went and the girls and I actually made it up the canyons for several visits. Ah! Home sweet home. This busy street city life does not lend itself well to me after growing up in the mountains nearly every weekend as a child. Next year I hope to do a weekly outing... on hiking trips or with our new tent trailer. I breathe better and think clearer at higher altitudes. So do the children.

Unfortunately Mick's work schedule did not accommodate him coming with us on many day trips until our traditional fall visit. Fortunately I have some some great friends who enjoy the fresh air, freedom and calm that the mountains bring.

Annie came to visit from Illinois. Miss this girl. Her and Lael and I packed up 8 kids, a picnic and headed out on the river trail.
About 5 seconds after this picture, Liberty and George were walking 15 feet in front of the group when George shouted "Snake!", and began to run back. Liberty proceeded to stomp her foot near the brush at the same instant that I heard rattling. I immediately started running and yelling at her to get away. The closer I got the the sooner she stopped. Looking down I found the coiled up Rattlesnake. As the group gathered, the snake spooked and moved up the hill stretching out its four foot body. I humbly said a prayer of gratitude for the safe keeping of my baby and began to discuss with Liberty and Aspen why we do not attempt to kill snakes, especially ones that are coiled and rattling! I vowed to keep this little episode from Mick for fear he'd never allow me to take the girls to the mountains again. The secret stayed silent for about a month, then he nearly died!

Jesi's always up for a canyon adventure. We took the kids on a short hike up Spring Hollow, then we played in the Logan River near Third Dam where we threw rocks.

Last week Jesi and I, with kids in tow, made it to Green Canyon and hiked a little to enjoy the crisp fall air and colors.

Abbie and Sam

Mountain Model

Bouldering

Doesn't this picture just make you happy?

I'm blessed to be a mom so I get to bask in the simple joys of childhood not once, but twice.