Hike

So I was not a good mom the other day.  Kaden had a morning hike for scouts and I was going to the temple and wasn't going to be home when he needed to leave so I had the dad of one of his friends picking him up to make sure he got there.  Ironically I was teasing that dad about actually remembering to pick Kaden up. Well, I had to eat my words.  I completely forgot to wake Kaden up before I left.  The friend comes knocking at the door and Kaden is still in bed and my babysitter has no clue what's going on.  So Kaden missed his hike.  It hit my like a ton of bricks as I was walking to my car in the temple parking lot.  So like a good mother I let the guilt eat at me until we took Kaden on the very same hike he was supposed to go on.  We packed a lunch and hiked the Battlecreek trail up to the waterfall.  It was HOT, but the kids did pretty good with minimal whining.

The umbrella was used for a totally of 25 yards.  Note to self (or Nate since it was his idea): Don't hike with an umbrella.  You'll just have to lug a folded up umbrella around and you might wack your spouse (Nate) in the face (on accident, of course) with it when you turn and forget it's strapped to your back.

Proof that I was actually there.  (And see there on the ground in the red bag.... the umbrella!)

Rachel is feeling the mist off the waterfall.  It was at least 15 or 20 degrees cooler down in the trees by the water.  It felt nice.  Especially after hiking in 90 degree heat.

We really live in such a beautiful place.

I really don't remember Eliza being sad.  I was surprised to see this picture.  She did fall asleep on the hike up.  She's probably realizing she'd rather be in her nice air conditioned bedroom.

Hello, Nathan.

Kaden thought this little cave was so cool.  He said, "Probably a bear used to live there."  (No, that is not a wild animal sitting next to him.  It is Haley.  Please no judging me. You are right.  Her hair is not done.  Never was.  Never attempted.  Not even combed.  I realized this as we were driving to the trailhead.  I've repented and have tried to ensure that her hair gets done first thing.)