A Favorite Tradition

Bruce takes off a day each fall (around my birthday) and we go on a "leaves changing color adventure". The mountains are so pretty this time of year. I LOVE this tradition. This year we hiked to Stewart Falls. It was one of the last things on our "Summer Fun List" that we hadn't done yet. I was glad we waited. Hiking at this time of year is perfect--cooler weather, leaves changing colors, less crowded. The hike was a little longer than we expected but Jonny walked the whole way and entertained us by making us think he was camouflaged in the trees. Autumn was carried 3 out of the 4 miles by her big, strong, burly Dad. Brookley was toted on my back and was a good sport. The falls are fun because you are able to get right up close. Jonny was soaked. The leaves didn't disappoint. They were just spectacular. What a great day (minus the first five minutes in the parking lot where we yelled "We are here to have fun! Don't make us regret taking you!" But let's not remember that part. I only add that to bring the whole truth to the story.)

A snake! Good Dad to catch it!

Pictures (well at least my pictures) never do justice to how pretty it really was.

The falls are so fun that you can stand right under them. Jonny was soaked.

I love Autumn's funny sense of humor. Here she said "Look at me Mom. I have a funny mustache!"

Brookley is a good, good sport! Doesn't she just radiate happiness?

These were some of my favorite pictures. It is Jonny camouflaging. Since he wore his camo clothes (he even had on camo underwear) he thought it was so cool that he could camouflage and no one could see him. I would whisper to hikers passing to please not notice the boy in the camo because he thinks you can't see him. He made this same exaggerated face every time he camouflaged--wide eyes and perfectly still. Can you spot him in the picture below? Autumn wanted to camouflage too--a little easier to spot in the bright pink sweatshirt.