Adventuring

Summer so far:

Hiking

• Poppy fields in Alpine: Saturday, June 10

I have heard about this short hike for years. The timing is critical. The poppy's peak for only 2 weeks. We made seeing them a priority and so did many others in UT. This trail is no secret. There were photographers and artists painting the breathtaking scenery. The poppies were absolutely stunning. We invited Grandma Langlois to join us and she was very enthusiastic. The kids especially liked signing the book saying we visited the fields. There are more poppy fields near Brigham City and even with that drive, I'm tempted. I'm delighted we finally crossed this hike off our list. It was worth the wait.

• Jungle Trail in Draper: Monday, June 12

The last time we hiked this trail was in 2020. Izzy wasn't even 1 yet. Being accompanied by friends (the Bradshaws) on this hike made for a good time. We hiked further than the trail because we've got some expert hikers.

James is big into tree climbing these days. 

• Farmington Creek Trail: Monday, June 19

We've had to think about snow this year when planning our hikes. This is not something I expected in mid-June. 2 hikes we planned on doing still have road closures, snow, and spikes and snowshoes are recommended. I guess we'll aim to do these hikes in August?

Farmington Creek was different from the hike we intended to do on Juneteenth due to the snow, but it was beautiful. It was also lengthy. 3 websites said different distances which made things confusing. After the hike, Andrew's new phone said we walked 4 miles which is probably accurate.  My phone has trouble counting my steps and said we went 3.6 miles. Regardless, we hiked a long way. I was bummed we decided to turn around before we made it to the biggest waterfall. (I think we were close) We had already hiked so far. We thought we were supposed to already be at the end, didn't want to push the kids too much, and needed to get home. We still enjoyed this gorgeous trail though!

There was only a little grumbling by our children. Izzy rode in the hiking backpack for less than 5 minutes. The hike was extremely green with purple and yellow wildflowers galore. It was steep and rocky at times. We had to cross 3 streams which thrilled the kids.

There were several old cars just off of the trail. James was extremely fascinated by these and told several strangers hiking up the mountain to keep an eye out for the cars. We made up stories about how we thought the cars got there. We also played 20 questions. We even made a friend on the trail-- a dog named Zena. Andrew kindly helped the dog and owner cross one of the streams. James discovered a little cave after doing rock climbing. The old rusty cars along the path and the small cave made this hike one of James' favorites. 

Can you tell Izzy was scared?

This Farmington Creek hike proved our kids are ready to go on the strenuous Timpanogas Cave hike. We have tickets to go next month and I am so eager!

South Jordan parade: Saturday, June 3

We found a much better parking spot than last year and didn't have to walk for so long. It was amazing! The kids had the best time. They got so much candy! James also got a hat and a T-shirt.

Picnic at our old stomping grounds: Tuesday, June 6

Harrison and the kiddos!

We met the Hendricks at one of our old favorite parks in Pleasant Grove--Strawberry Park by the fire station. I was surprised James didn't recognize it. We had a picnic with takeout. Of course, we chose Cravings Bistro for dinner. I miss living by this. Obviously, we had to stop at Cravings Cupcakes too which James recognized. Catching up with the Hendricks was great and the temperature was cool. We only had a few raindrops. On our way home, we drove by our old house. It's now a rental property which is sad. It was a lovely evening and walk down memory lane. 

Aquarium: Tuesday, June 13

Going to the Aquarium with the Reinhardts was a good call. Both Izzy and James have playmates their ages (Walker and Ari). My kids have never wanted to stay so long. We stayed for over 2 hours and they were begging for more. I'm glad we're putting our annual pass to use. We will definitely make more trips this summer.

New Draper All Abilities Park: Friday, June 16

This park has been on our list for a while and we finally made it happen. The weather cooperated which has been one of the biggest hindrances. This is an excellent park with gigantic slides and so much to do. Going at 9am is the key. At 11, a bus full of kids arrived and the parking lot was nearly full.

Goodbye dinner for Jeff and Lindsey's family: Saturday, June 17

They're gone. I'm sick of goodbyes and have another one coming. I hope Indiana is good to Jeff, Lindsey, Simon, and Esther. Maybe if it's not good, they'll come back? I wouldn't wish that on them though. We miss them already and loved getting to see them a couple extra times the week they left. The cousins parted with one giant snowball fight. It was epic and adorable.

First visit from the Toothfairy: Thursday, June 22

James has a new nickname--toothless. He has been telling anyone and everyone that will listen that he lost his first tooth. His smile is even cuter! He already has another loose tooth.

Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan: Friday, June 23

My mom suggested this park what feels like a lifetime ago. Pre-mission, so at least a year ago. We finally went and it did not disappoint. There are 3 smaller parks and one gigantic park which is where we spent our time. The zipline was one of the best I've seen and both kids rode that on repeat. There was also an "elevator" toy which was new and exciting. Of course, Izzy made a friend. After, we couldn't resist and walked to the ginormous and nice West Jordan library. On our way home, we stopped for our free Frazzles. Each Friday in the month of June, Maverick and Holiday gas stations give out free small slurpies/frazzles. If you know me, you know I like a good deal. We have gone every Friday.  

Summer is off to a solid start. I didn't even include details or pictures of the 2 weeks of swimming lessons, the summer camp the kids went to, or friends' birthday parties they attended. Bring on July! It's going to be a big month for us. In fact, I'm even taking all month off of teaching piano.