Labor Day Hike

For Labor Day we took the kids for a hike up Mount Baldy in the Uintahs off Mirror Lake Highway. It definitely wasn't the easiest hike we've ever done with the kids. We like to challenge them and they are usually up for it.

On the way up, Jared, Brita, Meg and Buddy took off at a pretty quick pace while I stayed behind with Leah. She was dragging like I've never seen and I couldn't figure it out because she's usually leading the pack. When we were about 3/4 of the way up the mountain, I asked her what she ate for breakfast and she said "Nothing because nothing sounded good."

Leah has a rough time at breakfast because she just doesn't have much of an appetite for it. I guess no one has ever explained to her that you need food for energy when you're heading out on a big hike. I didn't pack much food, but the fishy crackers and little package of fruit snacks seemed to be all she needed. Once she got some fuel inside of her, she took off and we met everyone else at the top.

It was a beautiful scene from the top. The skies were so blue and Jared and I tried to count all the lakes we could see nestled in forests of pine trees. We found the perfect spot to eat our lunch and take it all in. It was very satisfying for all of us to know we made it to the top.

On the way down, Meg was burned out so of course I lagged behind with her while Jared and the older girls took the lead. Meg and I had a great time though. We sang all kinds of songs and played games to take her mind off her tired feet and body. We found cool spots for her to hide and rest for a bit when she needed it. It was a good time.

When we got back to the bottom some people who just pulled up were asking us about the hike. We were telling them how beautiful it was and they asked how far up the mountain we made it. They were surprised when we told them our kids made it all the way and the kids were even more proud of themselves after that too. They should be proud of themselves because it wasn't easy. That's the thing about hard stuff - sometimes it's tough to get to the top of the mountain, but once you're there you've got a lot to be proud of. We're not as proud of ourselves for accomplishments that weren't hard to achieve.

Yesterday was a big one for our girls and we're thrilled about it. We're thrilled about the girls too, because they're awesome.