I almost DIED!

Monday for Labor Day Clint and I and the kids joined some of the Campbell family and we drove out to Mt. Charleston to do the Mary Jane Falls hike. Some wonderful friend told us the hike wasn't too hard and that the kids could do it... Yes, they could... with A LOT of pushing and bribing!! haha. It was only 3 miles up and back, but wow, that "up" felt like 10 miles! haha. There were several times when I thought "there is no way I'm gonna make it to the top!" I couldn't figure out if I was just horribly out of shape or if it was the constant stopping and resting with the kids.... I do believe now that it was a combination of both. Poor Clint carried Carson a lot of the way on his shoulders. Good thing my hubby is strong and sexy (ok, that last part didn't have to do with hiking, but he is!) When we finally reached the top it was nice. Not a huge rushing waterfall, but constant sprinkles off the mountain top. The water was very cold too, which was an awesome feeling after that uphill hell starting with loose gravel, and ending with several switchbacks and a rock staircase. (we even saw some friends from henderson at the top which was fun). Coming down was faster, even though it was a killer on my knees. I stayed behind with Lily so we were the very last to get down the mountain. She fell so many times (and her bruised and scratched up legs prove it), but I was proud of her cause she stuck to it and made it down. Really the thing that kept her going was all the dogs on the trail. So many people took their dogs with them on the hike so it was nice entertainment (and something to talk about besides "this is so hard mom", and "i can't breath mom" and "I'm gonna throw up mom") for the kids (Lily and Carson especially). It felt good to accomplish something hard though and I was proud of all of us when we were done. And to be honest... I'd do it again. It was fun being with everyone!

Clint and Carson starting out

Avienda, Shaunie, and Emma starting out the hike... happy and golucky! (It didn't last, but they did great!)

Getting close now!... Me, Lily, Shaunie, and Emma

Doesn't Clint look so happy! haha.

This is on one of the switchbacks... taking a break! Carson loved throwing rocks (not such a good idea when people were coming up behind him. haha)

At the top! Emma walking under one of the "waterfalls". Jaron is behind her

I wish you could see the water better in these pics. From LtoR... Min, Shaunie, Jaron, Kamron, and Avi.

Jaron, Avi, and Kam. Jaron loved playing in the water and climbing all over the rocks. It was paradise for him.

Kyler holding Izaak, and Kam. Stephanie and Kayden were so awesome with Izaak, carrying him the whole way. They are so good!!

Lily, Carson, Em, and Shaunie hangin out at the top. Emma got cold and put her coat on (yes, she's crazy!) Carson was so mad at Emma (can't remember why) so he's actually yelling at her in this picture. haha

Shaunie, Emma, Lily and Me (yes, Lily is ticked at me!)

All of us (sorry it's so far away). Stephanie holding Izaak, Kayden, Mom, Dad, Me with Avi (Lily in front of Avi), Bec holding Z, Kam, Dave, Emma, Jaron, Kyler, Min, Clint holding Car, Shaunie, and Dennis (Ky's friend)

After the hike we met up with Reed and Melinda and their kids (friends) and all went over to a picnic area in Lee Canyon and had lunch together. It was so beautiful up there. Unfortunately, Emma got sick so we left a little early to drive back home. She was fine after sleeping for a while. That night we went over to Campbell's for Kourt's bday cake. I love living so close to family. It gets crazy sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way!