Fall Colors| Part One

So I don't know exactly what I have been doing the past five years, but I had no idea the fall colors were SO amazing. Looking at the side of the mountain from the valley doesn't even compare to getting up into the canyons and really experiencing them. I had to do this post in a few parts so I don't overload it with pictures, because who can resist taking pictures of colorful dying leaves?!

Big Springs Trail head, Provo Canyon

I decided to go up to Big Springs Trail head again because I knew it would be beautiful. Once again Rosie loved it and I hiked a bit further back. The colors were awesome!

Not kidding, these pictures were taken maybe a minute apart. 

Grotto Falls, Payson Canyon

Miriam and decided to venture out of Utah County and head to Payson. The Nebo loop is known to have some of the best fall colors in the state. I have never driven up Spanish Fork Canyon and it did not disappoint. Grotto Falls is about 7 miles up the canyon and a perfect little hike, especially with the kiddos. There were awesome little foot bridges passing over the creek, finally leading to a little water fall. 

Wonder woman right?! Carrying two children and balancing over a stream!

These girls! They couldn't be much cuter!

Ellie Update | 18 Months

Well, this little lady continues to be full of energy and never stops. She "talks" a ton! I don't know anything she is saying, but that doesn't stop her. She knows all her animal sounds, but almost always refuses to do them on command. She also says "what's this" about EVERYTHING! I'll be honest by the 10th time in a row that she has asked what the tag on my jacket is, I ignore her. She can climb on the couch now, which makes for good entertainment. As she continues to grow I have more and more fun with her. I love how interactive she is, and that we can REALLY do things together. I am definitely one of those women who doesn't enjoy the infant stage as much, this little toddler is way more fun. As a toddler, she runs into my arms on her own will and I love that. Her actions are so much more deliberate and It melts my heart. Speaking of deliberate actions, she has a little defiant streak as all kids do. She is beginning to hit things and people and the poor dog. Rosie sure puts up with a lot. Ellie is much more interested in the dog and climbs and kisses and hits/pets her all the time. I caught her trying to poke her eyeball the other day(sigh). Rosie reciprocates with licks and more licks. She is a good dog. Can't believe Ellie is a year and a half, I know two is right around the corner!

Lake Blanche

Lake Blanche, Big Cottonwood Canyon

We have wanted to do this hike for a while. I had seen someone post pictures of it and thought it was beautiful. Well I didn't research anything else about it, turns out it is 6 miles round trip with 3,000 ft. of elevation gain and loss. It was one heck of a hike. We packed snacks but I definitely wish I had worn different shoes. Curse you Chacos! By the end of the hike I had three huge blisters and was in a lot of pain. Despite the tough hike it was a great day. We had a great view of Sundial peak and Lake Blanche was beautiful. We could see all the way to the Great Salt Lake and caught a few fall colors. Such a great way to end our anniversary week and Jared's birthday week. Every weekend from here until the middle of November we have booked with photo shoots, so basically this was our last free weekend. So happy we have been able to explore so much this summer!

                                          

                            

                           

                           

So Jared was telling me that whenever they would go hiking or backpacking as kids, that Ric would always find a perfect flat rock to lay on and take a nap or relax. Jared said this rock was absolutely perfect and proceeded to lay on it and take in the beauty of the day. He said Ric would be jealous!

                           

We should have probably read this sign before we started, we would have at least had an idea or what we were in for.