Mulin' in the Mountains

On Independence Monday, with not much work to do, we headed to the mountains. Chris and Dustin had rented some mules for a job. The rental place was closed in observance of Independence Day, so we got a fun freebie.

We drove all day on four-wheeling trails through the pine trees. We passed some beautiful overlooks in between some fun rock-crawling and old logging relics.

Both mules had truck beds, so we had plenty to eat from the coolers. For lunch we carved our own roasting sticks for hotdogs, brats and s'mores.

Chris, Sarah and the boys had a two-row mule. Henry did surprisingly well in the front pack and also belted in with the car seat. At lunch he took a nap in the Pack n' Play.

As opposed to four-wheelers, we liked being able to talk sitting next to each other. It was a wonderfully enjoyable day.

Havasupai Falls Backpacking Trip

At the beginning of June, Dustin backpacked to Havasupai Falls with some of the teenage guys and leaders from church.

Hiking through a tunel to get to one of the waterfalls.

Jumping off Cliffs...

...Dustin only jumped off the small ones.

Dustin's brother, Chris, and cousin, Casey also went.

The trip was a huge success!

The group:

 

They left at 4 a.m. and drove to the trail head.

It's just over 10 miles down the canyon to the campsite.

View on the hike down:

During the days they hiked to various waterfalls and swimming holes.

Those who jumped off the high falls:

They stayed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and hiked out Friday.

(The paid mules to pack out their gear.)

No injuries aside from sunburns, bruises and minor sprains.

I wish I had more photos, but Dustin was behind the camera for most of them.

I will get more from the others who went.

Dustin said it was one of the best things he's ever done.

The photos just don't do it justice.

Dustin wants to go back.

I have wanted to do this hike for years.

I was sad I couldn't go on this trip, but it was guys only.

We hope we can go together soon. 

Let's go fly a kite...

It has sure been windy this year! But it's perfect kite-flying weater. We spent several days in a row flying all different kinds of kites.

Christopher

Matthew

Dustin launches Katie's 2-hand kite

Matthew, Mitchel Anne

Matthew doesn't even have to pay attention. His kite always stays in the air.

I hold Mitchel Anne's kite while she winds it up. Mitchel Anne, Sarah keep an eye on Christopher's high in the sky.

Dustin got me a box kite for Christmas last year, but it was TOO windy this day! 

I flew it the next day when we also finally got Katie's kite to stay in the air.