We had a great Fall Break adventure this year. We started out with an all-hands-on-deck Grand Canyon hike. Friends, Alexander and Mandy, joined us for a day hike from the South Rim to Indian Gardens and back along the Bright Angel Trail. After a rough start where the kids devolved into a hot mess before we even hit the trail, they pulled it together for a great day if you don't count the continuous fighting between Hannah and Christian over Mom. We exceeded all expectations on the way down (2 hours 20 minutes) and back up (3 hours). Weather was perfect. Views were awesome. And the bribe of a pedicure for Hannah and a Dr. Pepper for Christian got them to the top with little whining. The campground had all of the charm of a freeway rest area, but everyone (except Rebekah) was too tired to care on Saturday night. All-in-all, it was great fun.
The Boys continued on to southern Utah on Sunday while the girls went home with Alexander and Mandy. Bryce Canyon was very cool. Literally. Nights were in the mid-20s and afternoons in the mid-40s. We road bikes, hiked, and completed the Junior Ranger program. We learned about bats, rocks, and stars, spending one evening looking through telescopes. It was just the right mix of relaxing and interesting. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon was a fun stop on our way home. Again, the boys completed the Junior Ranger program and learned about California Condors. But it was really cool with night temperatures into the mid-teens. And very hard to watch the thermometer climb to 100 deg on the drive home!
The girls planted flowers at the temple, got pedicures, went out to breakfast, went out to lunch, watched movies, etc. Hannah had a sleep over with Willow and spent time with Cameron and Melody and Charity while Rebekah taught. It was a very relaxing week.
*written by Chuck
