Hiking

Over Labor Day when my parents were here we went on a hike that we have started many times, and never finished. We never really knew how long it was, but we did know it ended in a waterfall. And since waterfalls are one of my most favorite things, Ive wanted to finish it for a long time. They have put up a map of the trail and it says it is about 2 1/2 miles to the waterfall (after you pass into BLM land). Of course we didnt see this until we came back:)

We may have been a little clueless, but we wanted to have fun.

This is where we went:)

We crossed the creek on stepping stones.

Braelyn needed a little assistance.

They sure love their Grammy and Papa.

This is where the 2 1/2 miles starts, once youre up on the mountain a little bit.
There is a good view of the city though!

Get him Sue!

I love the contrast of the dense creek greens and the desert background.

Love this picture.

Resting. Big sisters make awesome chairs.

We had been hiking for about and hour and went probably a mile...maybe a mile and a half. We decided to turn around because the kids were getting tired, and we still needed to walk back.
When we told Braelyn we were going back, she kept walking.

But then she got tired and Papa carried her on his shoulders:)

On the way back they decided to cross on the Robert E. Lee Natural Bridge (Andy anyone?).

They saw the end and started running! Crazies.

Then Papa started running too...his famous Mr. Bean run. Talk about crazy...

We washed hands in the dog drinking fountain...I have no idea why though...

Caylee fell asleep on the way down, but was happy when she woke up, whew.

We sat at the table and had a snack and took some more pictures.

And Caylee walked back to the car with the backpack.

Yesterday Bret's Mom watched the kiddos and Bret and I went back on the hike to finish it.
It had to be done.

Where we turned around with my parents and the girls wasnt.even.close. to the end.
It was another two miles up steep and rocky terrain. But then it went into trees where it was lush and green and shady and pretty. But at that point I was just trying to keep moving:)

Then we crossed the creek, turned a corner and saw this.

We made it!

I guess looking back on yesterday it wasnt that bad.

And it was well worth it.