Don't go chasing waterfalls

We needed another family adventure to go on. So we decided to go to a waterfall. This was a decision based on the need to let the kids run wild for a little bit and get some energy out (except for Miles, since he was taking a nap). 

The hike was basically straight up the mountain for a half mile. So we stopped to take a lot of breaks along the way. This was a "fall leaves picture" break.

This was a "look at this big log" break. The girls needed to rest their legs a little bit too (despite the fact that I carried Hadley most of the way, she insisted that her legs were too tired).

This was a "look at the awesome bridge" break. There were no rails so we had to sit down so we didn't fall in the river.

This was a "look at this cave" break. The girls had to go inside to see if anything was living inside (and to get another picture).

Look! We made it to the top of the waterfall! There were about 10 stops, 4 water breaks, and 3 "I'm too tired"s along the way. But we made it! Once we got to the top, the girls wanted to keep going all the way up to the top of Mt Timpanogas (as if the first half mile wasn't hard enough, they wanted to do the next seven miles!).

We went back down to see the waterfall from the bottom as well. It was quite exciting (and a little bit wet). The girls were ready for their close up on the rocks.

Another wet shot. It was very windy, wet, and cold at the base, so they snuggled in nice an close to get this shot.

It was a great little hike. We all had a great time. The trees were all changing color and made for a great ending to the day (this is the rear ending :) ).

We are family

During our Utah adventure, Rach wanted to get some new family pictures. We don't have any that include the newest little monster (we love you Miles!). So we went up into the canyon to get some fall family pictures.

This is a winner as everyone is looking in the general direction of the camera.

There were lots of beautiful fall leaves to see. 

In this picture, the girls are more interested in looking at the stream next to us.

We did get some really good ones though. 

The girls liked climbing on the fence so it was easier to get smiles.

Rach and I don't get any pictures alone any more. So this was a treat. 

We almost look the same as 9 years ago when we first started taking pictures together.

Utah Safari

Since we come up to Utah on a semi-regular basis, we are starting to look for more touristy things to do when here. So today we decided to go on a safari! 

(Really we went to the BYU Bean Museum and looked at all the stuffed animals. They have redone it since the last time we were here, and now it is very spacious.)

The girls hiding at the beginning of the safari

 (can you see them in the midst of this heard of moose?).

Here is everyone showing their scary bear faces. Included on our safari were cousins Brooke and Kaylee (they helped serve as tour guides in the wilderness).

After the safari, we had to come back to base camp (Grandma and Grandpa's house) for some nourishment. While the grub was cooking, the kids played a game with the crazy natives (Grandpa was playing Simon says, but it looks pretty crazy). The rest of the Shaw cousins joined in the fun this time.

There was a delicious camp fire meal of smores! The girls all ate lots and enjoyed them by the fire (all the Arizona kids were chilled in the cooler weather).

Rach and Miles also needed some extra sugar. 

It was a great day on safari in Utah with cousins and grandparents.

Conference Weekend in Utah

Conference weekend is a time relaxation and spiritual renewal.... unless you have a house full of kids.  In that case, is is cousin fun and some spiritual renewal.  We arrived in Utah at 4 am Saturday morning and crashed until about 8 am when our kids woke up.  By the time Conference rolled around, we had Kevin and Jenny's families and had so much fun!  The last time we were up for Conference was when Hadley was a baby and it was so fun to be with them for Priesthood night just like the old days.

 There were many bracelets made during the 2 days of conference

 I think we ate about 7 pounds of mac and cheese over the week.

 Aubrey had buckets of treats for specific words said.  Some ate them right away when they heard the word, others, like Sophie, kept track on paper.  That looks like a lot of Prophet!

 Lots of snuggle time as well.  I loved how the cousins all fostered their friendships and even created new ones.  The older cousins helped look after and help the younger ones, and it was so fun!

Happy Birthday to GG Meldrum

When we were up in Utah we had the chance to see GG Meldrum for an afternoon. She was down visiting with Janice and they threw her a 95th birthday party! We were so glad to come and crash the party with all our little hooligans. Grandma was all dressed up for the party (notice the lei), and we had a great time seeing all our relatives.

Allie giving GG a big birthday hug.

Hadley doing the same.

Miles was not really cooperating for his picture, 

and we were a little scared he might try to beat up GG. 

However, she did get to meet him for the first time, 

and he loves GG just as much as the rest of us!

We got a whole family picture with GG!

Thanks for letting us join the party. 

We always love to see GG and hang out with her.