The Quest

Here's the bunch that tried to hike Mount Timpanogus. They decided after five miles that the snow was too dangerous so they didn't make it all the way. They had a great time, though, and are looking forward to another attempt later. Early September was always the best time when Tom and I hiked it before.

James, Tom, Hannah, Aseana, Sean and Roscoe

After camping with the Grubers we met a friend of mine from Junior High and had lunch. Then we visited Tom's sister in Salt Lake City for a night. Tom's mom is living with his sister and it was good to spend some time with them.

More hiking...

Did I say I like hiking?

Monday we hiked to see Timpanogus Cave. I've done that three times as an adult. The first time I carried a 2 month old Johnathan up that trail and didn't think it was too bad. The next time was in 2004, I was at or near my highest weight and very out of shape. About 3/4 the way I wanted to quit and go back down, but I didn't and finally made it.

This time, 60 pounds lighter and in better shape, it still took me the entire time allowed, but I didn't want to quit at any point on the trail. I thought that was progress.

Here are a few of our favorite photos.

I can't believe how big Hannah has gotten. She's taller than me even on flat ground.

Shellece, Ann and Carol about 1/4 the way

Carol and me

the mountain goats ran off ahead...see the little spot of red?

Shellece, me and Hannah

Hannah resting...she's so cute.

Hannah's "J" tree

The heart

An underground lake

We made it through!

Front: Shellece, Gordon, Aseana, Cora, Hannah

Middle: James, me, Carol, Tom

Back: Jonathan the guide and Sean

Tuesday Shellece and I went for a short hike with the youngest two kids while the men and older kids went on a quest...the quest to conquer Mount Timp. I'll start with that next time.

I love...

Camping and Hiking!

On June 19th we left for the Utah Mountains. We met our friends (the Gruber family) in Alpine and headed into American Fork Canyon. The problem was that the canyon was packed. There were no camping sites available. So finally we opted to go to the Gruber's house for the night. The next morning we arrived in the canyon and found our site, but we had to wait for the people who used it the night before to clean up and leave.

Oh, what to do? Go hiking, of course!

This is the trail head of the Timpooneke Trail. It goes up the back of Mount Timpanogus...an 18 mile round trip. Tom and I hiked this trail twice when we were younger. The first time was before my mission, and I didn't quite make it to the top. The second time was after my mission, and I made it all the way. This trail has a part in our love story. I'll share that later. This time we went about 3/4 mile and turned around.

Here's the hiking group! Me with Shellece, Gordon and Sean Gruber

Tom, James, Cora, Hannah and Aseana

This was the view from our campsite!

And the creek that ran by our campsite.

I've always loved nature. It reminds me of how great Heavenly Father is and the wonderful things He has done for us. I always feel His love when I'm in nature.

That first day of camping was Father's day and we held a little meeting together to talk about our fathers and how much we love them. One of my friends always says, "Heavenly Father is the coolest dude ever" usually followed with a neat story. I was thinking the same thing as I thought about Tom and what a great father he has been to our kids.

Camping song

A camping we go.

A camping we go.

Hi ho the camp site, oh,

A camping we go.

We're so excited for some much deserved R&R. We're going camping with the Grubers in the Mount Timp area until Wednesday. Then we'll hit the Bright Reunion in Logan Canyon on the way home.

Break out those hiking shoes, everyone! We'll be putting some miles in!

What mama likes...

Tim knows what his mama likes. He sent me a Snickers bar for Mother's Day, a box of chocolates for my birthday and the SD card from his camera with pictures on it!

The chocolate is tucked away for after this diet is over...Look out, chocolate! July 4 is open season on chocolate!

The photos are now on my computer and being enjoyed thoroughly.

Here are a few:

Mount Timp

Provo Temple

Tim and his companion in the MTC

Tim at the MTC

Tim and his mission president and Sister president

St. Stephen, New Brunswick

Tim

Tim and his current companion

Tim by the river. St Stephen is right on the St. Croix River

Yipee!!!

School is out! I've been counting down since mid October. (Isn't that about the time I got my new calling?) This year has been so long.

And the school year ended with a bang when I visited the DMV this morning. I arrived well prepared to sit and wait for an hour. I had a book to read that I hadn't even started yet. I walked in, pushed the button for my number and heard, "Number 0-1-5 is now being seen at window 12." I looked down. My number was 015. I tore the number off and walked to counter #12.

While there the lady asked if I was still 5 foot one inch and 218 pounds. It was great to say, "No, I'm no longer 218. I'm now 167." Her reply was, "Wow!"

Then I walked over to the camera and had my picture taken. I decided to get the 8 year license because I didn't want to go in again for a long, long time. Who cares if my picture and license say I'm 167 when I finally get to 112. At least it's closer than stating and looking like I'm 218. My whole trip to the DMV and back home again took less than half an hour.

My book is still not started.

Another good thing...I don't have to work on my birthday!

One last thing...Tim is doing great. He wrote this week that he and his companion saw a bear and her cub crossing the street one day. He says that's unusual there, too. Also, they started with no one to teach, but are teaching 3 people and finding more. One is a man whose daughter is taking the lessons in another area. He also told us that they found a nice place by the river where they can study every day, and the spirit is strong when they are there. Tim has grown so much already. He is going to be one powerful man. I think he may just love them into the church.