Beginning of Sept.

The last days of summer. I love these photos of Arden and Maya. The little sister following his big brother around and trying to do all of the things her brother can do.

They have a pretty neat relationship. In these photos Arden is looking for 'bugs' so Maya very carefully observes her big brother.

Maya often doesn't let me do her hair, but on this occasion she let me put her hair in piggies. I just couldn't resist taking her photo.

Buckskin Gulch

"Buckskin Gulch is alleged to be the longest slot canyon in the world. The canyon is exceptional because of the length and depth of its ever changing narrows. The narrows extend uninterrupted for nearly 15 miles. A trip through the dark, narrow canyon is a unique experience you will never forget."

The total hike distance: 21 miles

Days to complete: 2

Arden, Newel, Manuel (first time slot canyon hiker), Tonya, and Craig all set out to hike one of the prettiest slot canyons in the world.

Once again, Arden never ceases to amaze me. I stayed home with Maya while Newel took Arden on this adventure. This hike was done the weekend after they had hike Mt. Olympus.

Can we say 'tough'? Or 'super leveled up'? Arden hiked without any assistance.

He loved walking in the mud and there was a lot of it.

Arden also has a really good talent for catching 'rickets.' He found plenty of grasshoppers to keep him distracted.


He also feasted on power bars.

Speaking of feasting... a couple of weekends ago, our children woke up early as usual, snuggled up with us for a while, and then ran around the house. A little while later, Arden came back to bed with us. We asked him what was Maya doing. He responded, "She's feasting on some yogurt."

He had prepared breakfast for her. I loved it! Feasting on yogurt.

These photos don't do any justice to how beautiful these canyons really are.

They did a lot of walking...

And more walking...

Through lots of mud...

Since this is a long hike, the group camped at a designated camping area.

I was told the stars were gorgeous.

The following morning, the group ate a delicious breakfast and continued on their journey.

Newel recalls as they were hiking they could hear birds in the canyon and could even hear the wings flapping...it was a neat experience.


They also ran into a small rattle snake.


And saw the bats flying around.

When they got home they were tired, but very satisfied with their big accomplishment.

Mt. Olympus

Distance: 6.4 miles (round trip)
Walking time: 6 hours
Elevations: 4,200 ft. gain/loss • Mount Olympus Trailhead: 4,830 ft. • Mount Olympus: 9,026 ft.
Trail: This is a very popular hike. The trail is well used and generally easy to follow. The last 0.1 mile below the summit, however, is very steep and rocky and some scrambling is necessary.

Yes, this little man and his daddy climbed Mt. Olympus. I guess a little guy with so much energy can do it.

I'm proud of my little man.

First Day of School

The anticipated day finally came... Arden's first day of school. He picked out his clothes the night before and in the morning he very excitedly got ready for school .

Part of me was a bit sad...my little boy is growing up.

I was unable to be there for the moment he actually got in the bus, since I had to go to work. However, Newel was there to witness this new chapter in our lives. I feel a bit bummed that I partially missed out on this event. It almost feel like its a right of passage for me as well. But in the years to come, there will be other right of passages I will get to experience. I'm glad Newel was there to record this day.

He was really happy to get in the bus with his friends from church and neighbors.
Once he arrived to school, he played in the playground. Newel followed the bus to school and waited until Arden was somewhat settled in class.
We wanted to make sure Arden felt comfortable. Sometimes he has a hard time with changes.
Arden really likes his teacher. We also like her.

She's really good with the kids.

As he entered the classroom, Arden was immediately attracted to the plastic insects...the bug station.


He also picked out his seat. Once Newel saw Arden somewhat settled in, after a short meltdown because another student had taken his seat and taken the insects, then Newel waved bye and left our little boy at school.


After school, I hurried home and waited for Arden at the bus stop to ask him about his day.

He reported that he had a good day.

Part II and other stuff

See, I'm trying to catch up...from almost four months ago...
Anyways, these are photos from Arden's other birthday party. This party was just a family event in early August. All of the nearby cousins hanging out at Kristen's pool. Arden had a really great time.

I made both cakes for Arden's b-day. The theme was dinosaurs, so I made him a dinosaur land cake. There were nests, a volcano with a dinosaur stuck in the lava. Plus, there was also a dinosaur attack with fake blood. I must say, I was proud of that cake. Arden really liked it. The other cakes had robot stickers on it and he had picked it out a while ago. So, I made it for him, but I didn't like it much.
Mayita loved hanging out with her daddy at the pool.

My nieces are so cute.

After, some swimming time, we enjoyed some pizza and other yummy food.

Here's Ruth-E and Gretha.

Time to blow out the candles...

About a week later, Arden and Newel went out for some male bonding time.

To Lake Powell.

They went sight seeing and stayed at Wayne's hotel.

While at Lake Powell, Arden had a chance to drive a boat. Can you tell he's in heaven?

After being out all day on the boat, as they arrived to the dock ramp late that night they couldn't load the boat, so Newel and Arden spent the night on the boat. Arden absolutely loved waking up and realizing he was on the boat.


After the boat adventure, they went sight seeing.

Arden took this photo of Newel. Not bad.

One of the activities we enjoyed this summer was attending free concerts at the park. This was the last concert at Liberty park. It was a pow-wow type of presentation.

After the performers finished their dancing, they invited people to dance in a peace dance...or something like that, so we were one of the first people to jump at that fun activity.


We enjoyed dancing a lot.