staff development day = a fun family day

the kids had the day off from school and brandon had the day off from work so we decided to head up to mt. charleston to hike mary jane falls. it is about a 2 1/2 mile hike. we packed a little picnic and set off.

when we first got there it was FREEZING! but when we started hiking we warmed up pretty fast.

the scenery was gorgeous. it is so nice to be out in nature and i was gung ho to go hiking UNTIL... we started and it was all UPHILL!! ( i don't know how i thought we were going to get to the top of the mountain)

i made sure we stopped for picture opps (and so i could get a break!)

i was so impressed with my hunky husband. after awhile megan decided she didn't want to hike anymore so this is how she hiked the hike. he didn't even break a sweat!

when we got to the top the waterfall was flowing and there were iceicles. dallin had fun breaking them off.

there is a cave by the waterfall that we also hiked to. the kids decided they liked it so much they wanted to live there. so this is the view from our new house.

dallin wanted this to be his bedroom.

on the way down the mountain megan's ride was so comfortable that she actually fell asleep!

brandon is trying to get us ready to hike mummy's toe. he thinks next time we will be ready for harris peak and then onto mummy's toe next year. (wish me luck!) i have kind of decided i enjoy WALKING in nature more than HIKING in nature. but i will try.

on the way down the mountain i was telling dallin what a hiking STUD i thought he was. he didn't whine or complain once! he then said "thanks mom but you...you're gonna need a little work." how true that is!

after our hike we went the the old lodge for dinner. i love this place! i love the rustic atmosphere and the roaring fire. the kids got some yummy hot chocolate and we all enjoyed a great dinner.

i love my family and spending time with them. any 'extra' holiday is a treasure!