Laws Train Museum

After our hike to Cottonwood Lakes we went to Independence and stayed the night at a hotel. I was a long miserable night because we couldn't sleep. The air conditioning unit was not working properly. We ended up opening the door to let some air come in but we didn't feel like we could sleep because we had the door open. Morning couldn't have come sooner. After breakfast we headed up to Bishop and went to the Laws Train Museum. It is a museum where they have brought in several old buildings, trains, and items that were around at the time that the trains were running through this area. We walked from building to building looking at what was sold in the stores at that time to what the doctors, dentist, and beauty salons looked like. We even to a ride on a train that had some work done on it to restore it. It was a great time to spend some time while we waited for the wedding that we were going to go to in the afternoon at the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery just outside of Independence.

Mackay wishing he could drive this old fire truck.

Back in the Saddle again, but where is the horse.

One of the old trains.

Tyler's turn at the wheel.

Ridding the remodeled Death Valley Train.

Toot, toot - blowing the train whistle.

Later in the month of June our little family headed north toward Lone Pine and up toward Horseshoe Meadows. We stayed in the campground at the trail head of Cottonwood Lakes and then the next morning we headed on our way for our all day hike. We followed a stream for the most part, but took a few detours. We were trying hike toward a lake but the first one we arrived at was all dried up. Luckily we did run into one eventually and they headed back to the campground. It was a long day and the kids and I got a little tired, but Justin is a trooper and keeps us moving. It was a beautiful hike. We loved seeing the green and natural beauty that really isn't too far from where we live. It was great. I thought that I had quite a few pictures of the lake we found, but I can't find them on my computer. Hopefully they didn't get erased. That would stink. Anyway here are some pictures of our journey...

When we first drove into the campsite we saw an interesting site.  A lady with three llamas, 2 dogs (one an Arctic Wolf) and a cat come back from a two week trip up into the mountains.  The kids were excited to talk to her for awhile and see llamas up close.  Mackay also got to pet the Arctic Wolf and the dog got excited and put its paws on him and accidentally scratched his stomach.  

Our campsite.  Justin and the boys are playing catch.

Hanging out at the campsite.

On our way up the trail.

We found this small cabin by the stream we were hiking next to.

Tyler playing by the stream.

One of the many meadows we walked through.

Here we are enjoying a rest.

More of the scenery along the way on our hike.

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.