This time I researched (even more) than last time to ensure that the hike wouldn't be too challenging. The trail was in the same parking lot as the G and is within 5 minutes of our house. I love where we live!
This hike to Battle Creek Falls was much more family friendly and so enjoyable. The heat has been excruciating lately, but thanks to James, we were up at 6:30 and headed right to the trail. I'm so glad we went early because it was still cool, and by the time we were leaving, the trail was packed with families. We basically had the whole canyon to ourselves.
James is much more awake and alert recently and the whole way there he was bright eyed and couldn't stop looking around. It was adorable. When we headed back down the mountain, he was exhausted and slept all the way to the car.
Andrew recently got a new phone that has an amazing camera and he took some pictures.
Andrew told me my pose was boring, so I had to spice it up.
James is a BIG boy. We need to invest in a better carrier.
Love this view!
Ditto pose
When we got home, I made watermelon/strawberry smoothies which were healthy and delicious.
Andrew spent the majority of the afternoon doing homework. (HIS CLASS ENDS THIS WEEK AND WE WILL BE CELEBRATING.) We invited some friends from the ward over for a BBQ and games. We haven't had people over as much since having James, and it was a lot of fun.
Dinner was divine! We had hamburgers, deviled eggs, pizza dip, my favorite salad, and watermelon. For dessert, our friends brought a homemade apple pie. What is more American than that? I meant to take pictures of all the food (I even put it on pretty platters, but only managed to get a picture of the salad.)
Andrew is not a big salad fan. This salad changed his mind.
After dinner, we played games. Our friends brought the game Jamaica which we had never heard of, and it was extremely fun. We must be getting old because after putting James to bed, Andrew and I headed outside to the porch swing to watch fireworks. We lasted about 5 minutes before deserting the fireworks for bed.
I'm so glad for the freedoms that come with living in America and the sacrifices so many people have made for this country. Also, I love it when Andrew has work off on a weekday. Let the countdown for Labor Day begin!