Directionally challenged

We decided to get out of the house today and settled on a drive up Hwy 50 to see some local waterfalls and have a picnic. Looking online we found several waterfalls in the area but I had to laugh as I read the information. One of them actually said that if you could see the falls they would be rated a 9 or 10 but since you can't see them due to too much tree cover they couldn't recommend them and the trail up is so steep that a fall would mean certain death! If you can't see them how do you rank them a 9 or 10 and if you slip on the trail it means certain death why on earth are they listed on the website? Another description of different falls said that they were spectacular but again you can't see them! He found them by looking on Google earth and then used his GPS to find his way there. There is no trail to follow and you have to cut down brush cover on top of which the hike is so steep that it is rated dangerous. He does not recommend you try to find them but if you decide to go anyway download his directions and take your GPS so you don't get lost in the woods! Again why are these falls listed on the site? We decided on a much easier journey and chose two waterfalls that are easily accesible. We found Bridal Veil Falls with no trouble as it was right on the road. However, Jay Bird Canyon Falls proved a bit more elusive. The instructions seemed very simple, turn left on Peavine Ridge Rd and go 11.9 miles to the falls. What they left out is that 3 miles up Peavine Ridge Rd there is a fork in the road with no signs to indicate which way the falls are. Having a 50/50 chance we went right but it turned out we should have gone left. If you remember correctly from the hike to Hidden Pond we turned left when we should have turned right! Thankfully this time we were driving and not hiking. We ended up at a very beautiful campground but there were no falls anywhere to be seen. Since Greg & Carinna had to be back by 4 we gave up on searching for the falls and had lunch down by the river before driving back home. It was a really beautiful drive and reminded me why I love living in this area.

Wild flowers by the river

Kevin & Kaitlin rock hopping along the river

Carinna & Greg enjoying lunch

Dad & I by Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Missin' my goofy girls

Looking through pictures the other day I came across a file of pictures from a couple of trips we took a year or two ago. The girls were having a lot of fun just goofing off with Alex's camera. Since they are all gone now (except Kaitlin) it brought back lots of fun memories and laughs. Miss you guys!

All by myself!

Almost all of my posts that contain pictures have been fixed or worked on by Andrea, Riley or Katie but today I changed my background and all of the details by myself! Yea! I am finally getting this (or so I think.)

Wake up call

This past week was girls camp for our stake. Friday was the last night of camp and the girls had the usual end of camp testimony meeting. Our stake president and his wife were there and spoke to the girls as well as bore their testimonies of Christ and the gospel. On the way home at about 2am President Wood and his wife were in an accident. Kathy died instantly and President Wood is in a coma in critical condition. Needless to say our entire stake is in shock. What a reminder that we never know how much time we have here. Today at church one of my friends who is related to them and knew them well made the comment that if anyone was ready to go it was Kathy. She had her life in order and truly loved Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. What an astounding comment and compliment. It made me take a step back and ask myself am I ready? Would those who know me best say the same thing? I am so grateful for a lovnig Heavenly Father who watches over us and gives us opportunities to learn and grow. Our hearts go out to the Wood family.

A few of my favorite things

We love to camp but have not had time to get away so we decided to take a day hike instead just to get out in nature for awhile. Last week we decided to hike out to Hidden Pond on the Dead Truck Trail (don't you just love the name?) which was supposed to be a 5.3 mile moderate hike, however we took a wrong turn at a fork in the trail and ended up hiking an extra mile and a half by the time we were done. To be away from the noise of life and enjoy some of God's creations was such a blessing. Here are some of my favorite pictures from that day.

Kaitlin, Katie, Kevin, Brian, Tyler & I on the trail

The view across the ravine

Brian helping Katie down from the trail to Hidden Pond - yes it was as steep as it looks

You can onlly see this waterfall by climbing down from the trail and crossing the rocks surrounding the pond. Definitely worth the trip!

Looking down the river away from the pond

Kevin & Kaitlin debating whether or not to put their feet in the icy water

Tyler & Gran enjoying the view & the sun

Tyler with Papa Joe & Tank

Our cover girl Katie ready for her closeup

The water was very cold & Tyler wouldn't put his feet in but his head was okay!

Brian & Tyler putting shoes on to begin the climb out

The only way out is up!

Even though we were all sore for the next few days it was a wonderful day. I'm so glad we went.

Quiet house

We are down to six in the house which is funny if you think about the fact that 25 years ago we added Greg and became a family of six. It has been 13 years since there were only six of us in the family. 1996 began our journey with foster care and adoption, our house has been filled to capacity and often overflowing ever since. Greg & Carinna have both started online classes so they are out of sight most nights, Brian, Katie & Ty are still in Idaho hanging out at the ranch, Riley has moved into her dorm and is beginning college life in Rexburg and Kelly has moved up to Alaska to become an Eskimo with Amanda, so the house feels pretty quiet. If we could get Tank & Harley to quit barking everytime they hear a noise the silence would probably be deafening!