Pioneer Day Hike 2012

After we had a little rest from the parade - we headed up the canyon for a pretty  (and hopefully shady) afternoon hike:

It was a beautiful hike.  I just love the smells of the mountains - so crisp and fresh.  Being in that surrounding is so pleasant!

Even though there was lots of shade - we are in the month of July - it. is. quite. hot.  But, everyone kept on smilin' and trekkin' along!

I love how the kiddos know how hiking is so much easier with a walking stick.  :)  And Aaron collects random sticks Harry Potter wands starting sometime over the Summer (and still continues to do so) - so found a nice "springy" wand to cast spells all along the way.  ;)

Pretty good lookin' group!

Aaron always gets little beads of sweat just above his upper lip, which is why I got this picture of him - but, I have to admit - I fall in love with this sweet face all over again every time I look at this picture.  He really has a bright countenance, I think.  

And this chica just oozes prettiness and joy:

The boys got their hair wet to help them cool down:

These two are such good buddies.  I love watching them together:

We all made it to a beautiful spot for a quick break before we headed back:

This is such a beautiful area.  I can't get these two pictures apart on blogger!  Arghh!   But, I DO love both of these pictures.  Agreed?

Aaron really likes the "Victorious!" pose.  Funny kid.  I have no idea why he was feeling so celebratory at this point in the hike.  ;)

These girlies love their grandma Pat - and held hands for a good part of the hike.  Cute!

Love going on family hikes!  I want to go again before snow hits!!