Negro Bill Canyon

Morning Glory Bridge at the end of the trail.

Eleven Year Old scouts and troop 802 and members of my family.

The natural spring was a BIG hit.

 

I mentioned earlier the awesome programs that Jimmy's work provides to motivate us to be healthy and to stay active.  This hike in Negro Bill Canyon was worth $30!  Gotta love that a hike is worth a dinner out!  And we love to hike.  We took our family and the 11 year old scouts and Troop 802.  It is parent-teacher conference so we were able to leave in the cool morning.  I love to hike!  I love this time with my family.  And the boys learned about plants and animals to pass off a requirement.  It is about 4 1/2 - 5 miles.  When we got to the Bridge at the end of the trail, there were people rappelling down.  What a treat to watch them!

All Natural

I am becoming a true hippy!  I'm trying to eat healthier (not as much processed food) and now I am experimenting with natural body cleansers.  I have extremely dry skin.  And I am tired of going thru tons of lotion (can you see the Lubriderm bottle in the background).  My skin is always itchy and dry and flaky.  While doing a little research on Pinterest (yes, I'm addicted to that site), I've discovered some natural body wash, natural facial cleanser, and natural moisturizer.  There is no alcohol (which I was surprised to learn, all commercial products have....weird).  The verdict:  so far I love it!  The facial cleanser is Castor Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Yep, oil.  And I love it!  My face has never felt so good.  And oddly, there is no leftover greasy feel or sheen on my face.  I also love the body wash and moisturizer.  I have yet to apply lotion to my skin (which is a miracle in itself as I was applying it twice a day).   It has only been a few days, but I am delighted!

Whytney's fort

Whytney's fort in her room.  Picture taken by:  Whytney!





 

This is the current sleeping arrangements for Jameson, Arthur, and Whytney.  Whytney made this fort and the boys wanted to share in the fun.  I can't understand why they would want to sleep on the floor and not their comfortable beds, but nevertheless, they love sleeping here.

Everyone needs a fort!

I know it isn't much to look at, but my kids are very proud of this fort and spend HOURS here.  It is built of old rabbit hutches, leftover plywood, wood from the wood pile and the ever handy ladder!  It was so enjoyable for them to build it.  The ironic thing is that we have a beautiful playhouse for them!  I know there is joy in constructing and creating things.  Way to go kids!

Aaron's first shave

Yes, he is only 13!  But his peach fuzz has begun to fill out and grown darker.  He was looking scruffy.  Dad said "The time has come Aaron!"  (can you see Jimmy in the corner of the mirror?)  Aaron's voice has also deepened.  If you didn't know him, you would think he was 15-16 years old.  So cute! I mean er...mature!

Colorguard

Skylar Johnson, Becca and Lindsay Farnsworth, TIERRA!

There are actually more in the group but Torrie Lopez was homecoming queen, and Brianna & Brityn Ballard were with the tennis floats.  Brooklan Chant is the 3rd from the left.

Our high school has been a marching band.  This year they have included a color guard (the flags shown above.)  And Miss Tierra has joined the colorguard.  She loves it.  One way to tell is that she actually practices on her own at home.  And she mistakes songs playing in our home for the songs that they perform too! hehe!  Not sure how she got the Thumbalina song to sound like Bad Medicine...but she did!  Colorguard takes a lot of practice.  But she loves the group that she works with and she loves her coaches.  It helps that they are all of the same faith.  We are so proud that she is involved!  Sorry, no pictures of her playing tennis!

Hiking

Trying to get everyone plus the arch.

Whytney, Jimmy, Jameson, Arthur, and Aaron under the arch

We dub thee "Hawks Arch"!  hehe!

We love to hike!  Today we hiked to Corona Arch.  One of the benefits of homeschooling is that we can have a field trip whenever we want!  This hike is close to Jimmy's work, so we met him on his way home and had a lovely hike.  Jimmy's work encourages us to be healthy and so their new program is a series of hikes.  YAY!  We love hiking.