a true discovery?

I don't think so. You may remember this from last year but the first hike of the day is to Adam's rock. (He thinks he discovered it but it was already labeled on the canyon map as a generic ' slit arch'. We will, I am sure, be calling it Adam's Rock for the rest of our lives though.)


I was el prego last year so I didn't hike to the top VIEW HERE, mostly because it is super steep up the sandstone face. This year I was excited to see it up close.


The Olsons in the slots / Liv's and Kristopher made the climb as well. Go Liv's!


KateO and me on the way down in the slots.


Next stop was West Canyon but we endured a very quick downpour WITH HAIL for a few minutes sitting towards the end of the canyon in our boat. Needless to say we all got soaked without getting in the water. But these wondrous quick showers bring cascades over the canyon walls - a rare sight.


Coop's got to come on this one.


This is the first of the multiple Falls we hiked to.


And this is the second on the right which was only flowing because of the rain shower...awesome. Cooper thought they were really cool.

We all had to get pictures, Coop was in a flashy mood that afternoon.


On the walk back, isn't it beautiful here? I love it.


I can't get over this kid's faces.


The sand mountain we had to climb down with quick sand at the bottom (not really but you sink to your knees).


And what hike isn't complete without finding frogs.

I see you window

The infamous Wahweap Window was on deck for the day. Steve got a little too much sun the day before so he was taking precautions.


It was a bit of a walk to hike up to it but Cooper was a champ, even in his mid-riff.


Mom and her photo opps, we love them.


Almost there.


The family pic looking outward


Hanging out inside the caves



Yes, that IS quality you're looking at.


The grandkids (minus 1, Benson. Kurt's fam couldn't make it this year cause he started med school)


Exploring the rocks


Fun in the water commenced after that. Grandpa had a new tube and the kids were excited to try it out.


And what day is complete without getting ice cream.

mountain of sand vs. the sanddevil

Lets get this party started right. Sunglasses √


Cousins with sunglasses √


We made our way up Sand Mountain once again with Cooper in tow. He thought this place was pretty cool.


Resting after the stairMaster


Checking the scenery out with Grandpa, I love these shots.


The grandkids, the girls, and the guys.


Running down, the highlight after the stairclimb.


Back down for a swim, the youngest two of the crew.


Miss Kenedee rockin the goggles.


A little nude sun-bathing


And the unveiling of this beauty.


Steve worked hard on this image and he celebrated the moment in full "Page SandDevil" glory. He put Kristopher to shame with his head-to-toe look right?


Watching the Carp swarm with Grandma


Party of 15 anyone?


The boys playing in the boat.


This lovely trip was sponsored by this adorable couple ;)


A short swim up Cathedral Canyon, quite the view.


All the little kids thought they were pretty big on this first/short hike.


Looks like the end of walk here.


A nice late afternoon swim before heading in.


Cooper 'surviving' his jacket, he hated it.

baby in, baby out

We made it to LP and started the week off with the exciting change from last year, being 32 weeks pregnant in '09 to having an almost 1 year old in '10. Let the good times begin!

stache-off

Steve tried to implement a mustache contest into the trip and the only other contestant was my brother Kristopher. Who do you think wins?

the convoy of six

We all made our trek west by plane and car and some long hours but finally arrived at LP Sunday evening for a big reunion of the family. And these little kids were taking over the party.


Little Scouty had a mini-birthday party that not and sure enjoyed her cupcakes.


My 94-year old grandpa was not going to miss the trip either. 94? I mean seriously, how cool is he!


And to start the week off right, jammies from grammy, hehe. Coops had already gone to bed so he missed the photo op. Let the week begin!

pitstop in the falls

We made it out to the falls for our annual LP extravaganza and had a few days to spare and adjust to the time difference before the big trip. Cooper was excited to be there.

And what do you do on Fridays in Idaho Falls in the summer? Go to Blacktail Lake of course.

Cooper's first time on the boat went pretty well although the life jacket was a bit of a battle occasionally.

Once this kid sacked out we all started playing.

My dad is the master slalomer.

It was a good day on the lake.

Do we look alike?

On the way home a storm was rolling into the valley and it looked pretty awesome up on the hills with these new windmills.

I think they are pretty cool looking. My mom isn't sure about them ;)

i long to see you

...I am coming
Photo Courtesy