Kolob Arch!

We planned to go somewhere else, but on the way up the road we decided this would be a perfect day for Kolob Arch, and it was a lot closer than our original plan.   We didn't even get started until 11:30 since we did the Saturday sleep in. It was perfect day for it.  The leaves aren't out yet, but there is so much other amazing scenery that even without leaves it is awesome.  We only saw 12 other people the whole day.  The streams were all running and the sky was blue and it was so very peaceful.  So much better than Zion proper with all of its' crowds.  We got to the arch about 2:00 and ate lunch there and then headed back about 3:30. We made it out by 6:15 just a the sun was making an exit.  It was an upside down hike where you are doing down hill in and uphill out, but we did better than we thought we would and made about 12.2 miles and didn't die of the uphill or heat on the way out.  The afternoon had cooled off so nicely. We did need a big Carl's 6$ burger when we got home!

A new angle on Dolphin Arch

Since it's a little early to head to the high mountains we are trying to hit some of the lower spots. This is a great time to do it before they get too hot!  We decided Dolphin Arch would be fun to revisit. We saw it from across the canyon while eating a picnic.  Then we decided to try it from a new angle...under the arch looking up from the canyon below.  We hiked down the pretty little canyon to do it.  In the process I managed to gash my knee on a rock, but I was not going to quit until I got to see it.  Thanks to Paul and his handy, dandy first aid kit, I was able to get it done.  And it was totally worth it!  Loved seeing the arch from that angle and the canyon was beautiful as well.  Then we drove over to see it from the other side top down which we have done before.  It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place.  Thanks to Ryan for doing the final patch up when we got home.  

President's Day with some of the gang

For President's Day the Borrowmans, Weavers and Randalls joined us to  enjoy the DSU annual art show/sale.  The kids had a great time doing the kids's I Spy activity.  We also enjoyed the outdoor statue garden/fountain. After that we all headed over to Paul's recently finished Sons of the Utah Pioneers Pathway to the Quarry project.  We hiked the short trail to the quarry and saw his stonework in the process.  Afterwards we came back to the house for a snack and visiting.  Moss and Christie and kids joined us later and when dinner time came we did pizza for the kids and Costa Vida for the oldies.  It was a fun day!

Kennis turns "two-teen"!

The other day at school I was testing a little guy on his number recognition to 20.  Lots of the kids struggle with what to call 11 and 12.  They just don't fit the pattern name wise.  He looked at me on each of those numbers and saying they should be called one-teen or two-teen.    I had to agree with him that it made more sense, but had to tell him that he would have to give me their real names for me to be able to pass him off, which, being the sharp kid that he is, he did.  So, for our sweet Kennis - happy two-teen! We almost feel a little melancholy to see you growing up...but we feel so excited for you too.  It's so exciting for you to enter that world of going to Young Women, Girl's Camp and all of the other things that you have been looking forward to.  We love you Kennis! 

One of the fun parts of celebrating birthdays is hanging out with the other grandparents!  All of our kids have married into awesome families!