Grandpa's Hiking Adventures: Temple Fork

Grandpa Hale is a hiker, and he knows some awesome hikes! Tonight we started a series of hikes with him. The Temple Fork hike. It was so much fun! We did this hike a few years ago with him and I loved it just as much this time. It is such a beautiful hike up Logan Canyon. The smells, the sights, the sounds of the river and the birds, so beautiful! It was also the perfect weather. You could not have asked for better weather.   

Our good friend Vonda joined us, super fun having her along.

Once we reached the top, where the old Temple lumber mill was located, Grandpa told us all stories about the mill, the location and some history of Logan and Cache Valley. We loved hearing them, so interesting.

It was a perfect hike, cannot wait to go again.



An Eagle Scout

Tonight Ethan had his Eagle Board of Review. He was super excited and a little nervous as he headed on his way with Nate to the Church. When we asked him about the interview he could hardly recall any details. Nerves, followed by euphoria will do that to you. He wanted to act very solemn, like he hadn't passed, when he walked out but he could not contain his excitement nor his smile. It was one of the biggest ones we have ever seen! Super proud of you Buddy! You have worked so very hard  and are now reaping the benefits. 

Why I Love Where We Live: Skyscapes

Photo Shoot Sunday: Impromptu Sunset Shoot

Last night we had this crazy summer storm come crashing through. Wind and rain just came battering through. Right after it we had the most amazing sunset. I grabbed my camera and headed out to capture it.

You can still see the amazing storm clouds too. It was so beautiful.

Some of the kids came out to enjoy it as well, so I had them all come out for a quick family photo, So glad I did. The lighting was just beautiful.

Had Ally snap one of Nate and I as well.

Flashback Friday: Camp Hunt

Nate and I have a tradition that we do with the kids. The summer of the year that they turn 11 we take them on a camping trip one on one. Nate took Ethan and last year I took Ally.

We had so much fun together. We went to Camp Hunt up in Bear Lake. Even though it was around the 4th of July our first day it just rained and rained. Cute, brave Ally decided to go for her swim check. It was COLD outside of the water I couldn't believe she wanted to get even colder by getting into the water. I was super proud of her, especially because her Mom was too big of a wuss to do it. Of course she passed the swim check. 

The next day, when the sun was shining, I got my swim check out of the way so we could enjoy all of the waterfront activities.

We went canoeing and kayaking and swam in the lake. It was perfect weather.

Here are our swim check chips. The board shows that we stayed in the Crow campsite.

During some of our free time we went into Garden City and got us a raspberry shake. Ally found this blow up Dolphin so we picked it up too for her to play with. She had a great time with it.

I thought she was a little bit crazy when she wanted to get up before sunrise and go canoeing out on the lake. I really thought that once the alarm went off that she would beg to sleep in but nope, she dragged me out  of bed into the cool, crisp morning air and away we went.

It turned out to be the highlight of our camping trip for me. It was so beautiful and calm. I loved being out on the water with my Ladybug. Such a sweet memory.

We loved participating in the campfire songs, the skits, and all of the activities that Camp Hunt had to offer. It was a great trip!

4th of July 2013

We had another great 4th of July this year! We seriously LOVE going to our little town festivities. It feels so Mayberry-esque. Starts off with a great little breakfast and parade, then on over to the bowery for field activities.

The kids love the foot races, the games, the candy drop, running around with their friends, all of it! Great times!

Ally with two of her friends, Taylor S. and Isabelle W.

Evie was pretty excited to run in her foot race this year. She did  a great job!

Ryland and Karter waiting for their race. I missed his somehow so I didn't get any pictures of it. Darn!

Ally put in a solid effort runnning in hers. Proud of her!

Meanwhile, Nate and Ethan were out fundraising for National Jamboree, in West Virginia, which is in about 10 days!

Found some great friends from the ward to hang out with in the shade. Wendy C. and Michelle W. and I had a great visit.

We went home for a couple hours to catch our breath before heading back out to all of the fun. Our next stop was the Warners annual snow cone party in their backyard. Yum!

Then back to the park for the live music, patriotic program, another candy drop, fireworks and of course, visit with friends!

Me with one of my best friends, Jenn Gardner

Evie and Mylie G. waiting, rather patiently, for the candy drop.

Ladybug brought a book to kill some time.

Candy drop is getting close!

Time for the parachuters to bring in the Flag for the Patriotic program.

Fireworks!!!