Bridal Veil Falls

On Monday we took a quick little hiking trip up to Bridal Veil Falls. It was a totally beautiful day. The "hike" was more of a walk since I forgot to bring the stroller for Spencer and so we only went as fast as he could go. And it wasn't nearly as far as I thought it would be. Jessie and Vickie were as excited about the water as Spencer.

The lower of the two waterfalls.
Right next to the Falls there is a little alcove with some sticks and rocks and a little ramp. The kids nicknamed it the Rainbow trail and it took about 45 seconds to walk it. I think it was Spencer's favorite part of the hike.
After we watched the waterfall and tired to keep the kids from getting their shoes all wet in the pool at the bottom of the falls, we ate our picnic lunch and continued on the trail. Mark, Jacob and Abbie found this big rock and climbed up on it while they waited for the rest of us. By then they had each picked up a walking stick. When we got to where they were they declared to us that they were: King Jacob, Prince Mark and Princess Abbie up on their throne.
Jessie and Vickie wanted to climb up too and they all fit, except Spencer who had to sit on Mark's lap.

There by the rock we found a bug hanging from a spider web-like thread and Jessie nicknamed it "spidapiller."
My first counselor in the Primary Presidency was kind enough to come along and help me supervise the kids. Spencer especially loves her and convinced her to hold him for a bit. It's great to have adopted grandparents.
Abbie walking back down to the car with her walking stick.
Near the end Spencer went up and grabbed on to Jacob's hand. Jacob told Mark to grab Spencer's other hand and they tried swinging him down the trail. He didn't get very far off the ground, but it sure was fun.
The kids were great and we had a fun little trip.

Today was an errand and cleaning day. Although we took a little break to take some friends down to stable see the baby goats and pet the horses. I've almost gotten all my stuff ready for the family reunion this weekend. Just another batch of sugar cookies, some frosting to decorate them and a few more cut outs for the flowers the kids will be making.

Ken leaves in the morning to drive to Washington with his brother for his Grandma's funeral. He is looking forward to seeing the family. It is enjoyable to reflect upon the positive influence good people make in the lives of others. I think in remembering someone in their passing gives those of us still here a chance to renew our efforts to be our best selves.