These last couple of days we took the littles out west for a hike and an over-nighter. As we neared the mountains they were covered in smoke from all of the forest fires in neighboring provinces. The blue sky and sunshine was hard to find, but it eventually cleared off enough that we could enjoy the beautiful color of Abraham Lake.
We asked my Dad to take us somewhere easy and fun and he picked the perfect place. Everyone was excited about exploring!
The best way to get to Allstones Creek is to walk through a culvert under the highway. The idea was exciting, but it took until the other end of the tunnel for Hyrum to get used to it!
We wore old runners and geared up to cross the icy cold creek over and over again.
The whole way through the canyon I soaked in the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. I love getting out for fresh air and gorgeous views!
Camilla was such a trooper! She loved the adventure of trying to get across the creek without getting too wet.
Joe loved wearing his hat just like Dad and Grampa. No matter how many times I pulled it up from his eyes, he always tugged it back down so that he would have to look way up just to see the things in front of him. We all got a good chuckle out of it! Despite his tiny legs and the coolness of the water, he didn't complain even once the entire time!!
About half way there they were getting tired of getting their feet wet and loved crossing these logs!
Hyrum gained more and more confidence as we walked, and could eventually cross without holding someones hand.
Finley was a delight to hike with! He is the most easy going little guy.
We took a little snack break half way and let Finners stretch his legs. Joseph, being the doting big brother that he is, enjoyed holding him for a few minutes.
When the water was too deep to cross, we scaled the rocks on the edges.
Joseph was a super determined dude and often walked without help from anyone. If he fell down he would quickly say, "Me okay!"
These kids love having their Daddy around!
Finley enjoyed another break from the carrier when we finally made it to the end.
The waterfall was exciting for the kids!
The whole group!
I love this handsome guy! I love that we just grow closer together every day!
After a little while it was time to say good-bye and hike back with our freezing children.
Finley hitched a ride with Daddy and I carried Hyrum or Joe at the creek crossings.
About 3/4 of the way back Grampa stopped and bent over to rest. Joseph asked what he was doing and he said, "I'm just relaxing". Joseph let go and said, "Me relaxin' too, Gampa!"
Despite his purple lips this guy was still the happiest camper around!
And when we finished, everyone was still smiling! I'd call that a huge success! Once we made it back to the van we changed the kids into dry clothes and made up some lunch!
After that we hopped on over to Crescent Falls to set up camp for the night.
I forgot how tricky it can be to camp with a baby who just wants to roll around and practise crawling all day!
He's so darn cute though, and happy as ever!
After a marshmallow roast, some star gazing, and some spooky stories everyone was pretty pooped. Joseph started nodding off in Daddy's arms and we decided to call it a night.
