Back -to-School Pictures

This was Gary's first day of preschool.  

He was very excited and I had to remind him 

to give me a hug goodbye when we got to the school's playground.

Sage did not start school today, 

but who can resist her,

or him. 

Happy Anniversary to us...

Last hurrah of summer

We decided we needed ONE MORE escape from the blast furnace of Summer before school started.

So, Thursday afternoon, we loaded up the kids and the OHVs, and headed to Cedar City.

We enjoyed a hotel pool that night, and woke up the next morning ready to load up and head for the hills. 

It was delicious to need coats and mittens and hats with ears.

Our first stop was the "ICE CAVE", which was somewhat lacking in ice, but we could see our breath.  Then we came to this cave.  "Mammoth Cave."  Hm.  Where have I heard that before?  We trecked through most of the tunnels, all the children in tow, except this one --

He hung with Grams.  Which was good because --

I'm not sure we would have fit through if he were "hanging" with me.  

Between tunnel explorations Sage decided she REALLY wanted this "stick."  

She was furious that it wouldn't budge. 

Back on the trail.

Little Chad knows how to ride.

Grandpa and Grandma on the hike to Cascade Falls.  

The edges made me nervous, but it was a beautiful hike.

This was my hiking partner.  

She held my hand so I wouldn't be scared. ;)

Beautiful!

And the contractor had to figure out how the observation platform was constructed.

On the way back to the rigs we pointed out the chocolate trees to the kids.  

Or the strawberry, or vanilla, depending on which tree you're sniffin'.  

Snack stop, map check, potty break.

Sage sang and sang.  

I think this song had something to do with "Chad cries..."

It cracked me up. 

Saturday afternoon we headed for home.

Isn't it nice when Zion National  Park is on your way home?  

A gorgeous end to a gorgeous weekend. 

Now school can start.

Ouch

Baby Chad had surgery yesterday.

I won't go into details.

But, suffice it to say,

he was the cutest patient in the hospital,

and I hope he never has to do anything like that, ever again.

Swimmin'

Gary is ALMOST a swimmer!  

He can get across the deep end,

but you worry, watching him, that he's going to get worn out

before he reaches the other side. 

Eden has been working on her floating,

and has it pretty well mastered.

Mer-Lily

Samuel must have had some water in his pockets!  

Sage, playing with "cows".  

Baby Chad, waiting for his turn in the water.

He likes it!

Lexi was hanging with friends 

when I took pictures at the pool, 

so you know I didn't forget her. 

Braces!

Lexi (Wow!  Is she getting to be so grown up or what!)  got braces on Tuesday!  

She has been excited to get them forever!  

For her first colors, she picked pink and navy,

Chantz (her cousin) and Emily's wedding colors.  

They are getting married September 25th.  

Lexi will be sure to be smiling big! 

Boulder Bike Ride, 2010

The riders

Koosharem

1st day's lunch stop.

Road side assistance

My cutie constant companion

Torrey, the next morning.

At the top of Boulder Mountain.

:)

It's sooo pretty up there!

Climb babe!

The Chads

The rain!  

We've never had as much rain on a Boulder ride before!

I loved it.  The bikers... not so much.

The end.

Tai chi at the water park

(just kidding ;)  )