hike to hidden falls

Hidden falls really can't be called a hike.  It is more of a stroll from the parking lot.  It was so easy in fact that we decided to go past the falls and hike further into the canyon.  The kids were great hikers for the day, which is always hit or miss with this gang.  

Directions....http://www.yourhikeguide.com/hidden-falls/

girls gone awhile

These woman keep me sane.  Spending just two days away from normal life gave me grounding and strength to keep up the good fight.  

Thank you Ann for hosting us in your lovely home in Spring City, home of my ancestors.  

Thank you friends for the wonderful hours of discussion.

homecoming

My parents came home from their mission in Barcelona, Spain.  Mike ended his military service in Hawaii and the Pacific.  

We are all living on the same continent for the first time in almost 5 years.  

 Nana meeting baby Ruby for the first time.

trent turns 3

My sweet Trent turned 3 in June.   He loves to snuggle, explore, get dirty and spend time with Max and Maya.  I worried a bit when he was born how he might feel being the odd man out with the twins having each other, but he has pushed his way into the middle of our family.  He is the center of our world.  

max and maya's carnival birthday party

Have have never had more than a "family" (or adopted family) birthday party for our kids.  We decided to let the kids have a friend party and to go all out.  I'm not even sure how many people where there but there were about 25 kids plus lots of additional parents.  We were also lucky enough to have several helpers.  Sophie was our biggest helper.  

We decided on a carnival theme.  We had a watermelon, freezer pops, popcorn, corn dogs and the favorite cotton candy.

The kids played games to earn tickets.  There was a pingpong ball toss, bowling, a mini golf course, and the favorite sumo wrestling.  

We also had a silly photo booth.

 Dani did great face painting.  Thank you, Dani!

Jeff made ballon animals.  Thank you, Jeff and Tara!

The kids took the tickets they earned doing the activities and cashed them in at the ticket booth to buy prizes and treats.  

The Birthday Kids had a great time.

 So did their friends...