Summer Hikes with Julie Rupp

Summer was so busy this year.  We only got in 3 or 4 hikes... I cant even remember.  

We went to Willow Heights Trail in Big Cottonwood.  The flies were out of control. But the flowers and aspens were breathtaking as usual.  

We had an EPIC FAIL hike.  The Living Room downtown.  I can tell you the wrong way to go thats for sure.  We were covered in sweat and dirt and scrapes by the time we got to the top.  We have tough kids for sure

The kids slid down the slab in the lower picture.  shorts= garbage

The Living room is  a wonderful hike if you go the right way.  The view of the valley was amazing.  the "sofas and chairs" built out of rocks were so neat.  There were even tv remotes up there so you could sit back and enjoy the view. 

But my new most favorite hike in Utah is lake Catherine via Alta.  I feel like my life has been in crazy chaos lately.  Lots of anxiety, lots of stress, lots of changes and learning to accept changes.  This hike was serenity, peace, solitude for me.  It isn't long... a bit steep but 6 tough kids did it and two moms with babies on their backs. The wildflowers, the overcast skies, the large meadow you come into... it was the peace I needed that day.  I felt like I was in another world.  Cecret lake at Alta is amazing... but Lake Catherine left me with peace.  Thanks Julie... looking forward to next summer!

How time flies...

I love my little family.  I love being with them.  This picture is such a happy moment for me.  A pow wow in the hallway talking about fun things.  

Tyler and Ella are such great helpers.  I love what great kids they are.  

Abby is growing up so fast.  She took a bottle like a champ the other day.  Tyler loved feeding her.  

Abby started oatmeal.  She loves it and says Mmmm....mmmm.mmmm the whole time she is eating it.  

The doctor said she was ready for solids but we will wait.  We tried carrots and green beans and she had horrible gas pains every night.  lots of painful screaming.  we will wait.  

She is close to rolling over by her self.  How time flies.  She is growing up so fast.  

Tummy time is getting better. 

Abby is such a happy person.  She smiles all the time.  

I went shopping with friends the other day.  It was a great get away.  Good thing we brought the stroller to carry all our bags.  

Me, Katie, Rowie and Ang

Darren took T and E on a bike ride with icecream after.  

Cousin Jackson Cooper

We were happy to have Jack come stay with us for a few days.  Gpa and Gma Balls came down to hang with us too.... Great fun!

They brought Darren a great birthday gift.  :)

Gma and I both have teaching in our blood so we did some reading time.  

This kids played in the water out back.  Had popcorn and orange juice shaved ice!

Lots of lego building time. 

Even a nice FHE with all three helping with the musical number.