My FAVORITE view at Granite Hot Springs. This is on the bridge close to the hot springs pool.
Unfortunately, this year the river was way too high and dangerous and all the rapids disappear so we didn't white water raft... instead we went on a hike up to an Arch. Grandpa and Uncle Mike said it wasn't that bad of a hike... I think they forgot :). We were all afraid for our lives at some point or another. It is scary when you are climbing a rocky steep mountain and a rock under your feet goes rolling down the mountain and we could only dodge to where the rock wouldn't hit us. I've never been afraid of heights until this wonderful adventure :). We could have gotten some AMAZING pictures but since our lives were on the line photos only happened when we were walking or sitting safely.
The start of the hike didn't seem so bad and it was really fun
This part was part of the steepest climbs. We joked that it was crawl 10 feet rest for 5 mins... etc. This was all broken, fragile, and loose rock that easily slides out from under you. There were even steeper parts climbing up to the Arch through the no-trails wilderness but we were too worried about making the climb to take pictures.
"I'll smile for one minute but how in the heck are we getting down."
It was a gorgeous view
My Uncle Shawn being a dare Devil
This was the snow under the arch. The snow was hollow underneath and it came avalanche-ing down the mountain right under our feet. Soon after brad slid down the mountain about 20 ft slicing his finger pretty good, soon after that we yelled SEAN, ROCK! ... luckily my cousin sean moved just in time so a huge rock didn't knock him out.
We took uncle larry's boat out and we had a blast on the tube! We didn't get a picture with me and the Thornton kids together but we caught major air!
Gorgeous Idaho Fields on the way to Black-tail Reservoir
Lex almost got up on the wakeboard but not quite.
Greg's family lovin the tube
Loved knee boarding
Granite and boating was a blast and it was soo good to be with family for a week. We also went golfing, birthday shopping, celebrated Shea's birthday at Olive Garden, and had s'mores cooked over the fire pit at my parents that brought on a bunch of laughs the whole time. I LOVE Idaho, there is nothing else like it :). Thanks mom, dad, and lex for the great time!
We had a fun and eventful 4th of July. We started the day off early and drove just south of Cedar and hiked Kanaraville Falls. It is an easy hike but really pretty cause you just follow a creek that goes up to the Falls. We had to walk through the water most of the time so it was fun.
Brad using Kim's homemade net - pvc, nylons, and a wire hanger!
Didn't catch anything but a rock... lol.
Brad, me, Shauny, Garrett, Louis, Andra, Kody, Kim, and Alex
Brad and me under the falls - the water was freezing!
We want to go back and climb up the log to get
to the upper level of the falls where there are
some pools but with the kids there we didn't do it.
After hiking we took the dogs to the Virgin River (4 Great Danes, 1 Basset Hound, 1 Jack Russel). It's so funny to watch all of the dogs together - we think we need to do some type of a dog commercial :). After the river we cleaned up and then had a little dinner and played vball at wyatt's. It's always fun to play with all of us together - then we had a little firework show at the in-laws.
Across the street near the St. George Golf Club's clubhouse the hill was set on fire because of people's fireworks. It was amazing to see how fast it spread and we were getting worried for the nearby house. Finally, a firetruck came and put it out. I imagine those people who started it felt pretty stupid :).
When I found out Joy and her two kids were coming to Idaho I was so excited since I haven't seen them since my wedding back in 2007. I finally got to meet her cute little boy, Will! I flew in on Friday and that night we had a bbq with the Thompson Family, it was good to see everyone. That night Alexis and I slept out in the tent with cousins and nieces and nephew. Hayden was being quite the little crack-up and was sure making everyone laugh. The funniest comment of the night was from Hannah. After awhile of Hayden being crazy the kids were getting tired and Hannah yelled (while giggling), "Why was I adopted into this CRAZY family!". It was really cute and she sure tried to keep her brother under control. This video is a sneak peek of his craziness :)...
On Saturday we went to the Idaho Falls greenbelt and had pizza with the kids and went for a little walk near the river. They sure had fun and Jaclyn and Hannah were best buds on the walk. That evening, the Thornton side came over for a bbq and it was fun. Joy made yummy lemon lush and April and I made these awesome cupcakes that were delicious! On Monday night we went to Reed's Dairy to get their fabulous Ice Cream and Jaclyn and Will had fun with the farm animals. We also went to Johnstone because Jaclyn wanted to see where grandpa works and where Joy worked, she loved shredding paper! I was able to ride home with April since she was on her way to California. We were also able to meet up with Aunt Jenny and CJ for dinner in Provo. It was a fun night and Joy was able to show Jaclyn her old apartment at BYU and we had some awesome ice cream.
