Hiking...

Well, the time has come... Memorial day. The day that makes us aware that summer is finally here. To celebrate this wonderful day, we decided to take the kids on what would be our first hike of the year. Knowing that we are probably not in prime hiking shape, we decided to take the kids on a really easy hike up Millcreek canyon. The desolation trail, but it makes a nice little loop around and is probably only 2 miles around. This was my idea. An easy way to start the year. Steve on the other hand had a different idea. There is a 'Y' in the path that takes you to the Salt Lake overlook. Though cool, it adds about 3 miles to the hike, half of which is uphill. Not realizing how far it is i consented to take it.


The older 4 boys were all over it. They nearly ran up the mountain as they were so excited to see what would be around the next corner, or what the view would be from another switchback higher. Even Chase was full of enthusiasm, and never showed that he was tired at all. Tyler on the other hand was taking a beating. he didn't want to admit his weakness though so continued to plug along. He would say that his legs hurt, but that is about all he would say. He didn't want anyone to know that he couldn't keep up with his brothers. He is such a trooper, and obviously very competitive.

Tyler was funny though. When we first started out. Every time we would come across a beautiful view, he would stop and look out pointing. He would tell me that it looked like a beautiful picture. He really loved what he saw as we climbed.


When we finally made it to the top it was such a relief. The boys all played on the rocks, and ate granola bars. We chatted with some people who couldn't believe that we actually had 5 children, but to add to that, they are all boys. One lady was just flabbergasted at how we manage. She had two boys about 8 and 10 and she kept telling us how she can't keep up. We had to rub it in slightly, telling her all of the activities that our boys do, Baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, skiing, piano lessons etc. Just to make her think that we are way cooler than we really are. But it was all the truth. Our boys do keep us really busy, but we don't let them stop us from having fun. That was probably the biggest shock for most people. I don't think they really could believe that we had taken this hike with all 5 of the boys, and even the two little ones made it. It was really fun.

This was just the coolest picture. This guy wasn't with us, but wasn't willing to move so that that could have been one of my kids. He was just lounging on the rocks looking out over the valley. It was so cool that I had to take it anyway.

The boys had a great time, and really would have liked to go farther. Mom on the other hand, really was done and wanted to go home.

One of the beautiful pictures that Tyler had seen.

Toward the end the boys all started messing around posing for all different pictures. I couldn't resist posting my crazy 12 year old.

In the end, we had a great time. I am very sore today, and look forward to our next hiking adventure. I guess this beats going to the gym, though I think it was a much harder work out.