Hiking Mt. Nebo

Brutal. That is the word that best describes this hike. It's a good kind of brutal, but brutal nonetheless. I was surprised that we weren't completely paralyzed afterward and I was amazed at how quickly we covered a lot of steep ground. It's a high-incline trail and long hike, but the vistas and fabulous flora and fauna are well worth the time investment:

Although we didn't make it all the way to the summit this time, I'm for sure going to hike this trail again. It's a good challenge and I like challenging myself. I think I am drawn to things that can be difficult because I like being able to conquer and put them in perspective relative to everything else in my life. What about you?

Crazy Crazy Youth

I love being around youthful people, so it makes sense that spending time with those crazy good teens in our neighborhood makes me super happy. Youth Conference this year found us in gorgeous Heber, enjoying confidence courses, waterfront, dancing, and devotionals:

 

It was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for better weather. Spending time with people who have such a fresh perspective on life is very rejuvenating to me. Thanks, guys, for the pleasant break from daily monotony and making me feel spirited!

The Shortest Hike in the World

I'm pretty sure my sister and I took the shortest hike ever known. We walked through two minutes' worth of a soggy spittle bug metropolis...only to discover the trail, well, trailing off. We opted out of getting lost in the deep, dark woods like a couple of little boy scouts, so we turned around and found some other lovely vistas to pass our time with.

On another note, if you're going to look for benefits of living in a wildfire-ridden state, deliciously warm sunsets and consequently photographs are on that list:

Sometimes following a trail doesn't take you to where you think it will. Sometimes the trail ends abruptly and sometimes it takes you through a huge patch of insect loogies. There's a metaphor in that, wouldn't you agree?

Putting the Baby in the Stocks

The baby's second annual Colonial Fest was a much bigger hit this year for us than it was last year. We got to speak with a variety of artisans, and Kirk even had his portrait done (see his blog post about it here). We saw old arms, historical displays, spoke with reenactors, and munched on some delicious pilgrim bread. Plus, I got to card my own spectacular beard. It was pure awesomeness:

True to tradition, we had to put the baby in the stocks, but instead of being disheartened, she seemed rather proud of herself. Being proud of getting in trouble? She is just like her dad.

Balloonfest

For the 4th of July, we woke up at the crack of dawn and hauled the baby to the balloon launch without even changing her out of her pajamas. She was thrilled to have such eager company as ourselves at the ridiculous hour of 5:30. My two sisters joined us and we all surprised the baby with the huge and colorful 'balls'. She oohed and ahhed over each sight and sound. It was totally worth it:

 

It was a most enchanting start to a day, and little known fact, it was the 2nd sunrise my sister has seen in all her 16 years. The first was the morning we were evacuated from girls' camp, in case you were wondering. I always feel nostalgic and tenderhearted when I see a sunset, but I feel energized and full of life each time I see a sunrise. Is it the same way for you or am I just a kook?

Snapshots from Girls' Camp

Plan B (see what Plan A was like in yesterday's post) took us camping near Strawberry Reservoir, which also happened to get smokey and ashy while we were there. The danger wasn't as great in our particular location, though, so we stuck it out for the rest of the week.

Highlights of the week included a trail-blazing hike (led by yours truly...where's my lucky machete when I need it?), a marshmallow fight, crafts and facials, too much food, daily flag ceremonies and devotionals and enough giggles to last for weeks. I sure do love those crazy girls! They make me happy every time I see them. It was so nice to get away from everything and refocus. What a refreshing week!