Birthday and Hike to Spring

ZION

While up in the mountains Shawn, Cael, and Ben worked for quite awhile on hiking sticks that we would take down to hike up through the Narrows in Zion National Park. On the drive down, we stopped for a photo opportunity at the Cedar Breaks National Park. Even in the afternoon sun, we could tell it was going to be a very warm and hot day hiking.

We entered in the park and took the advice from my brother Dusty to see the "Overlook" hike before going through the long tunnel down into the park. It was hot and the sun was bright, but the hike was perfect for the kids, Uncle Shawn was a perfect carrier for Connor and Ben had Brielle on his shoulders up and back. We had a beautiful view of the main landmarks in the park such as West Temple, ---- and Weeping Rock We took a few photos and made our way back down.

There was some confusion on how to get the rest of the way up to the Narrows with the shuttle transportation that is now available instead of being able to drive ourselves up to the trail head. We got Shawn some sunscreen, parked, and then had to catch 2 shuttles back into the park.

The hike was perfect, with two small kids and two strong brothers (Ben and Shawn) to carry them for most of the way. Cael and Brecon were having the best time in the water like little explorers. We took plenty of pictures and had a small snack at a swimming hole. By this time it was late in the day and the sun was hidden by the steep canyon walls. We were in the shadows and it was actually quite chilly after the kids and "big" kids went swimming. Brielle was squealing and having a great time "swimming" with Dad. Connor was not happy Ben dunked him in the water, he does not like it when he gets cold.

St. George, UT

PLATT FAMILY REUNION @Brian Head, UT

We were very excited to spend some quality time with family {aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews} at Aunt Jolene's cabin in the mountains near Brian Head, UT.

Driving down in our borrowed van we were very warm, grateful for the vehicle to drive, but we were still hot! The only relief from the heat on the freeway was to roll down the windows and sweat. We took a pit-stop at a gas station for a cool treat at the Dairy Queen and walked around a little zoo nearby. The kids thought the camel and zebra were pretty neat, and then we loaded back up for the ride to the mountains.

The kids were running through the mountains, carrying sticks and chasing one another all over the place. They got filthy-- covered in the red southern Utah earth everyday! 

The "3 Little Pigs" play by the cousins was really funny. Joseph really played the Big Bad Wolf so well. It was cute and funny. Everyone had a great time. 

At the candy bar awards ceremony by Aunt Janice Ben won the "SMARTEST" for attending the most school and I won the award for traveling the farthest-- a "MILKY WAY" candy bar.

Cael and Shawn won the BB gun shoot out against all of the family. Cael's score was more than 1/2 of the total of 86. They both won "100 Grand" candy bar for being the best!

On Sunday afternoon, the mountain was quiet. Most of the family had left for home and so we began to pack up and clean up from the festivities. Poor Connor started acting tired and I could feel that he had a fever after everyone left. I had him drink water and eat a few crackers and he rested for most of the day. That evening he was sitting on the couch and got that "strange" look on his face. He puked on the blanket and couch while Grandpa Eugene and Ben rushed to clean up the mess.

 

Temple Square, SLC

SUMMER BEGINS