Turner Family Reunion - Angel's Landing Hike

The day after school got out we headed to Southern Utah to Zion's Canyon for the Turner Family reunion. We stay in Springdale just outside of Zion's National Park in hotels and for the most part sit around a pool or swim. On Saturday morning a few of us got up early and headed into the park and braved the intense hike of Angel's Landing. Pictures really don't do this hike justice. For part of the hike you are looking down a long ways. One not so smart step and you are a goner. It was quite an accomplishment to complete this hike and mark it off both Justin and I's bucket list.

Here we are in the wee hours of the morning ready to start the hike.

On our way up the well paved trail that has lots of switchbacks

Refrigerator Canyon.  It was definitely a few degrees cooler on this part of the hike.

The view from the top of Angel's Landing

We made it.  We are at Angel's Landing

Hiking back down.  Don't look down because it is a long way down.

Me walking the "Leap of Faith" a small bridge that connects one canyon to the next to get over to climb up to Angel's Landing.  It is a "Leap of Faith" because there is nothing on either side.  Just a chain to hold on to so that you can keep your bearings.

This is me climbing up to the plateau called Angel's Landing.

This was a great hike and I think we will do it again some day.  There were moments where vertigo set in but if we kept looking ahead and not down it wasn't bad at all.  We were grateful we could do it with family and really had a good time with them.  While we were doing this the kids slept in and then hung out at the pool.  They were totally happy with that.

2911-2012 School Year is Over

I am going to do a bit of back tracking... SCHOOLS OUT! The kids had really awesome teachers this past school year and we are so grateful for all that they have done for Mackay and Tyler. Mackay and Tyler did really well and excelled in the 5th and 3rd grade. It is kind of weird writing this right now because the kids start school in a week. Where has the summer gone?

Mackay's teacher Mrs. Ponek had to leave school 3 weeks early to have foot surgery.  She was seriously the most amazing teacher I know.  She helped Mackay to enjoy and love school.  Mackay received the Presidential Fitness Award, was part of Kids, and also received a principles award.

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Tyler's teacher was Mrs. Switzer.  She also was a wonderful teacher.  Tyler is all boy and only thinks of recess while he is at school so we are so grateful that Mrs. Switzer was able to get some knowledge into this kid.  

Mackay and our neighbor friend Callie were in the same class this year.  They are saying goodbye to Gateway and will be moving on to Murray Middle School.  (Yikes!)  As a mom I am in complete denial that this is happening, but I guess I will have to overcome that feeling in just a week from now.

Old Town San Diego - Mormon Battalion Museum

On our way home we decided to check out the Mormon Battalion Museum.  We hadn't been there since its remodel.  It was great to see the changes they had made.  I won't say because it is cool to see without knowing what is going on.  Justin was picked to dress up like a soldier so that was fun to watch.  We tried to get the kids to do it but they wouldn't.  It was a lot of fun!  We panned for gold and watched a film on the family also.  It was great!

San Diego Zoo

For spring break we went down to San Diego to the zoo.  It was so much fun and we were even able to make it through most of the zoo.  The kids loved it.  Justin and I hadn't been for years so it seemed new to all of us.  

Down and Derby at the Pinewood Derby

 Mackay's 1st car

 Every cub scout gets an award

 Tyler got his Wolf - Way to go Tyler

 Tyler's car

Mackay's 2nd car

We attended two Derby's this year.  They both were long nights and the kids had fun, but there cars didn't do too well.  Good thing they didn't care too much.  

Seibert's Cabin

 This is Seibert's Cabin.  A lovely little cabin if I do say so myself.

 The cook stove

 Boulders to climb on

 The surrounding area

 Water to play in

We took a drive up in the mountains that are just west of where we live.  It was definitely a drive that was meant for a four wheel drive vehicle.  The drive was a little longer and bumpier than we thought it would be.  It is a well traveled road by motor bikes and 4 wheelers.  We had to stop a lot for them since we were the only big vehicle on the road.  We had a picnic and hiked around, but mainly just played in the water and on the boulders.  It was a great family outing for a Winter's afternoon in February..

Blue and Gold

 Blue and Gold Banquet

Tyler and Spencer

 Mackay

 Simon and Benjamin

 Such cute boys!

I honestly don't remember what the theme was but I think it was Around the World.  There were maps and Chinese lanterns and food that many brought from all over the world.  It was a fun night of awards and chit chat with friends.