Hiking Adventures

We started our week off with dog sitting for this adorable guy, Tatanka. He is a fun loving dog who was delighted to soak up the sun in our back yard.  Having Tatanka for a few days really set in my heart (and the kids) that we want to get a dog.  I'm a bit hesitant only because Papa is going to be coaching so much this next school year that having one more responsibility on my shoulders may be too much.  So, we'll just keep looking and if the right dog for our family becomes available then we will know the timing was meant to be.

Our first hike of the week was to the South Fork waterfall with our friends.  It's a pretty short hike and the kids had fun seeing the big waterfall. 

Next up ~ Mt. Baldy

Sister has been asking and asking for me to take her on one of my big hikes I go on.  So, with Brother taking a nap, Sister and I headed for the trail head.

 I told her this was a long hike and she had to stay positive the whole way otherwise we'd have to turn around and head back down.

This girl just had way too much fun. It had rained the day before so some parts of the trail were a bit muddy. It didn't stop her - she had a blast!

Momma was so very proud of her for making it to the summit. You can see it was a bit windy up there, so I was holding her tight for fear she would blow down the mountain side.  The smile on her face and seeing the sense of accomplishment in her eyes was priceless.  

She must get her hiking passion from me, as I am finding myself out enjoying more and more of the hiking available in this area.  I just find myself feeling alive when I'm in the mountains and making it to a summit is not only breath taking, but exhilarating for my heart and soul.  This is Rendezvous Peak with the trail head starting in Arctic Valley.  A group of ladies went to the peak arriving at 8:45pm - I love the land of the midnight sun.  Even though it was overcast, the view from the top was still amazing. 
  
Three hikes in one week and it's not even the weekend yet - I love summer time!  I'll actually be starting to teach extended school year (ESY) next week for three days a week.  Papa and the kids are going camping and shrimping with Grammy and Pope, which will be nice that I will just be able to focus on getting ESY going and not have to feel guilty about staying late at school if needed with Papa and the kids waiting at home. Since Papa coaches so many sports during the school year, I told him teaching summer school was a way for me to help bring extra income in for our family.  Plus, with only 3 days a week - it will be the perfect balance of summer and a little bit of work :)

Hope you all had a wonderful week!

June 3rd marked our 9th wedding anniversary! 
(Where does the time go?)