Summer Happenings

On the morning of July 4th we decided to hike to Rocky Mouth Falls.  It's an easy, short hike perfect for little kids. Unfortunately, every other family in the Salt Lake Valley with small kids thought the same thing.  It was very crowded.


Somehow, probably because our kids were willing to climb, we got a picture without hoards of other people in it.

Cameron was a good little hiker.  And why wouldn't he be with such a great pack mule!

Cameron really enjoyed being able to explore outside this summer.



He took a couple rides in the car while older siblings were riding bikes.

He played in the sandbox--ours and grandma's.  Though he and Jake weren't always the nicest to each other.  Many a shovel full of sand ended up on the other's head.

Cameron loved the park and climbing everywhere.  He wasn't walking yet but that didn't stop him from climbing.  It was exhausting for mom but a blast for him.

One Sunday afternoon we all armwrestled and Cameron wanted to join in on the fun.  He beat dad!

 Sophia worked on her carwheels. Almost there.

Grandma and Grandpa Stephens' ward has a summer party every year. We had never been able to attend before but couldn't pass up the chance this year to dunk Grandpa.  Rhys was the first to go and (with a little help) he dunked Grandpa.  The other grandkids were a little disappointed they didn't get a chance too but Grandpa was only game to do it once.   Rhys was very proud of this accomplishment!

They had a fun inflatable slide, games to play, live music, and tons of food.  It was a fun night.

Later in the summer we hiked to Donut Falls.

Rhys was very brave crossing the logs and only needed a little help.  He had forgotten to grab his jacket so he was wearing mom's and mom was wearing dad's and dad, luckily, had an extra.  Way to be prepared dad!

Chris and dad hiked up the falls while the rest of us stayed below and threw rocks into the water.


It's a pretty neat looking falls.

A different perspective of the falls.

And after our hike to Donut Falls it seemed only appropriate to eat some donuts.  We went to Beyond Glaze and tried their yummy, beautiful, gourmet donuts.

Evan's work, NBS, does a company party every summer for the families.  This year it was at the zoo. (About a week after my appendix surgery.  I lasted pretty well and the kids were good sports about not walking too fast). They got their faces painted like animals after we ate lunch and then we were off to see the real animals.

The kids thought it was pretty neat to be so close to a live lion.  They were really hopeful the lions would try and "eat" a kid through the glass, but no such luck.  The lion was sleepy.

This baby orangutan was so cute and so active.  We stayed here for quite awhile watching his antics.

The day we were there was kind of a sad day because the grandma elephant had died that morning.  The mom and granddaughter were out but you could tell they were sad and not up to doing their usual things, which is too bad since the elephants are one of our favorite exhibits.

It's not a day at the zoo without the bird show!  We love this show.  Cameron was kind of a stinker during but when the birds flew over our heads he loved it.

What a fun summer we had!