Cascade Falls Hike

On the day we left the Cedar Breaks Lodge, our own little family decided to spend the day together before we all had to separate again. I had heard about this hike years ago from Sis. Higley, our former bishop's wife. I knew that some day I wanted to go on it with my family. This seemed like the perfect time since we were in the area. We drove up into the mountains, stopping at the Cedar Breaks overlook. It was drizzly and quite cold so we didn't stay there long and drove on to Navajo Lake and then to the trailhead. The Cascade Falls are the water from Navajo Lake that drains through the rocks and falls at the edge of the mesa. It was an easy hike(Dad did it in his sandals/slides) and not too long, but it had awesome views and it was cool to see the water flowing out of the rocks.

Cambria and Soren at the Cedar Breaks overlook. This is July?

The trailhead to Cascade Springs.

See those low hanging clouds? They were with us almost our entire vacation. No one got too hot for sure.

We forgot to get James a jacket, so he's wearing Charlie's PJ top.  It worked.

James has the best vantage-point, Dad's shoulders.

Are we really tired, or what?

What??

Soren watching the water shoot out of the rocks. As a parent I was really thankful for the fenced view area.

Showing Dad's bare toes in his slides. Nice hiking attire.

Of course my eyes are closed. Would it be a real picture of Mom if they weren't.?

Oh Yes!! Cambria gave us some really good pictures on this hike. More to come!

It is exceedingly difficult to get 8 kids to look at the camera at the same time with a decent smile on their faces. I guess this is much more realistic. 

1st attempt at a kid picture....fail. Charles not looking.

2nd attempt at a kid picture....fail. Hannah and James not looking.

3rd attempt at a kid picture.....fail. Sadie's eyes closed, Soren being a goof, and James not looking.

4th attempt.....what the heck?? FAIL

5th attempt.....fail.......

After all the picture taking fun, it was time to head back to the vehicles. It was a bit harder going back, but it was worth the hike. Maybe someday we'll do it again.

Just showing how the trail was built to prevent slips and erosion.

Mountains to climb.

Ford looks a little too bouncy!

An interesting bush we saw on the trail. I liked how the leaves are situated vertically. Don't know what it is.

Lanscape reminiscent of home, red dirt and evergreens.

the water rushing away from the falls.

Another interesting tree. Very bristly looking. Not sure what kind of evergreen this is.

The water as it gushes from the rocks. The moss was cool.

Cedar Breaks Reunion-Fun We Had

Nina helping James "swim"

escaping to the playground while the adults sort out the room assignments.

Nina was a huge help with James. He wasn't too excited about slides.

This is Cambria riding a skateboard in the parking lot. The little boys thought it was great.

Charlie's new truck!

On Thursday we all went down to Parowan to the local LDS chapel. We figured it was the only place large enough for us to all be together comfortably for a dinner and games. Grandma and Grandpa had put together a delicious meal. Nicole had brought stuff to do some craft activities, Richard and Donna brought some Minute to Win It games, and we also had "Grandma's Goodie Grab" That is a favorite activity. Grandma likes to bargain hunt and when she finds a good deal she buys the item and stashes it. After a while her stash is big so she loads it up and brings it to a gathering. There she sets all of it out and we play her game. She calls a letter and if your names starts with that letter you get to go pick something out. We keep going around until all the goodies have been grabbed. I ended up with a set of books for my library, there was jewelry and toys and clothing that came home with us. Pretty cool game!

Soren helping Brian with his new train set.

Ford and Hannah learning how to make paracord bracelets.

Nina yakking with someone. More bracelet making.

Spencer showing off his skills.

We were divided into teams and each team had to introduce themselves with a chant, cheer or dance.
Spencer's addition was pretty cool.

Come on Jordan, hit that bucket! 

Bobblehead game. There were some tired necks.

Hannah trying to get her pompom stuck to her vaselined nose. Isabelle beat her.

Soren giving it a go.

Cambria attempting to be Nina, the Green-nosed Girly.

Curtis the Blur! 

Sadie accomplished it.

There was a keep the balloon up game for the younger kids.

Bobble Head Jr. version

Charles jamming out to some of Ford's or Jordan's tunes.

Trying not to smile.

Making new friends at the country store. Charles looks a little apprehensive.

Not Nina!! I like this boyfriend. You can keep him, Cambria.

There were other fun things to do at Brian Head. Kyle took his kids on a hike, we talked about going to Duck Creek, or Navajo Lake, or hiking to the falls, but it was pretty rainy that day so we mostly hung out in the rooms. We also had a spa going on in Nicole's room with finger and toenail painting, and an essential oils class taught by Lori.

When there are this many people around, there is always something fun to do!