cousin hike!!

The week of July 4th all the men-folk congregated and we had our cousin hike. It was a fantastic trip. the only downer was Grandpa had hurt his back so badly that Grandma would not let him go. We really missed him

Here is the motley grew, ready to embark. It was SUPER hot that week (triple digits in Cache Valley - ikk).

After only a 30 minute drive we arrived at the trail head and started hiking. It was 5.1 miles up and quite a bit of elevation - plenty hard for everyone (except Mel, who carried all the heavy food and hiked in and back in the same day. She does not like sleeping over night and had to drive to Provo for rehearsal that night anyway - she is an animal!).

You cannot see it in the photo, but this whole bowl was COVERED in wildflowers.

The kids spent hours harvesting them. They were incredibly gorgeous.

We had a great campsite and Uncle Michael's hammock was a hot item.

The kids swam (did I mention it as insanely hot?).

Fished (no fish, but still fun to be manly and try).

Roasted things over the fire. Thank you Uncle Stephen for converting us all to brats last summer; they are delicious. And, thank you Aunt Mel for carrying them up the mountain.

More hammock love.

Good morning faces.

A view from the ridge before breakfast because Ryan can't just be satisfied making it to the camp site. Nope, one must go to the TOP!

Diana and I trailed along. Gluttons for punishment and a great view.

And on our way home again!

You can see us all strung along the trail. The kids did so well, especially considering the heat. Troopers all!