Peek-A-Boo and Spooky

   Friday morning last week found us with a hankering to do some hiking.  It was really the only day during Spring Break that all 7 of us were together for the whole day!  Early morning breakfast supplied the energy.  Leighton - usually independent with a capital I would only eat if Kimber held her on her lap.  That little girl rules the roost!

After lunch in the back of the truck, we wondered if we would ever get warm.  It was sure cold!

This was our destination - Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch.  Two slot canyons about 25 miles south of Escalante.

Gosh how I love this kid!  I am sure glad he was with us - he was a great help. In fact - all the kids were great to help each other.  It was fun to watch them look out for each other.

These two LOVE the camera!

We heard that to do both the slot canyons the best way was to journey up Peek-A-Boo then cross overland on top and come down Spooky Gulch.  Here we are at the entrance of Peek-A-Boo.  Notice Addison crouched over a pile of sand?  The whole day she would find a patch of sand and hold it up for us to test how soft it was.  She was in heaven!

Ever the cheerleader, McKenna even based for Garrett - several times in fact! 

Addison and Kimber in Peek-A-Boo.  Notice McKenna putting the slot canyon's name to good use in the background?

Too bad this pic isn't a little more cropped.  Garrett randomly will find things to juggle.  Three stones on the floor of the canyon were his subject this time.  

Basing for Garrett again!

We opted not to take the backpack for Leighton knowing that through Spooky we wouldn't be able to use it anyways.  Miss Independence asserted herself again and wanted to walk across the tundra. 

She learned fast from Addison to find the patches of sand and bury her hands in it.

Garrett buried his arm and asked Leighton where it was.  "Gone!"

Shortly after this photo, McKenna and Kimber got a bit claustrophobic.  Jeff took them to the entrance with Leighton while Garrett, Addison and I continued on.

Towards the top of Spooky it took some turns and twists.  Getting up and down them took some cooperation.  Like I said, Garrett was great to help us out!  There is one spot where there is about a 15' assent over some boulders.  I helped Garrett and Addison up and waited at the base while they finished the hike.  I wish I would have thought to send the camera with Garrett!

On the way home all Leighton wanted to do was take pics of her toes. I guess she loves her toes!

All in all it was a great day and made Spring Break a vacation rather than just a few days out of school.  Wonder what's next on our bucket list!

Seven!

In not so much time we had another birthday - Addison turned seven on April 4th.  All she wanted was an ice cream cake.  She picked the recipe from pinterest.  It looks a little chaotic, but believe me - it was delicious!

April Fool's!

Gotcha McKenna!

Seventeen!

March 23rd McKenna turned 17!  Again this year she was busy throughout her birthday.  Just a few days before she was at FCCLA competition where she took gold for a second time.  And on the day of her birthday she was at region drama where she took second place with one of her best friends.  So late on Friday night, once she arrived home we had a party for this amazing gal.  Her request - Better Than Anything Cake and a bike.  The bike was in the process of getting put together and we forgot to get a pic.  But Jeff saved the night with a surprise blueberry bush.  Ever since she was little she has wanted a berry patch.  Don't know how well blueberries will grow here but we will give a go!

A Tradition Continued!

I love conference time!  So fun to enjoy a tradition with my girls of apple dumplings and pedicure night while the boys are at Priesthood Session!

Before... and After!

 Kimber has been growing her hair out for locks of love and yesterday was the big day! 

 One last photo before the big chop!

 And then it was gone!

 Kimber kept squinting, she couldn't wear her glasses and didn't know really what she looked like until...we got home and walla!

Great job Kimber!  What a generous thing to do!  You are always so thoughtful of others!  You are beautiful with long hair or short!

Valentines

 

Roses for mom and the the girls!  Thanks Dad!  We love you!

To The Rescue!

 

Monday - February 13th - I got a call from Elizabeth while I was picking kids up from school.  She wondered if I was busy and if I had time to help out Spencer.  Spencer had been driving from Kanab to Orem, got tired and pulled over north of Todd's to take a nap.  When he woke his car wouldn't start and she wondered if I would be able to go give him a jump start.  Garrett helped me out and they had the car up and running before I could hardly even get a snapshot!  Spencer stayed the night with us and the next morning because the weather was quite snowy and cold.  So nice to have company and such great company at that!  Garrett enjoyed the time with another guy in the house and I enjoyed his help the next morning after I had worked that night while he was here.  He sure did help me out with Leighton while I had a little nap.  They got to be good friends which says a lot for Spencer!  Leighton is quite selective on who she showers her attention!  So glad for the phone call and the time we were able to spend together!  Next time though I just hope he waits until Panguitch and pulls over at our house for the nap!