Camping and Timpanogos

Friday afternoon we decided to have a mini camping session in our back yard to see how the girls would handle camping.  (While we were settling up Livi jumped full clothed into the kiddie pool and was pretty mad when she was told she couldn't come in till she was dry.)  They were super excited to sleep in there over night with Daddy.  Me and Alex stayed in the house since I dont think he is ready for camping yet.  About 9pm when it started getting dark we took the girls out to the tent with their blankets, toys and pillows.  I told them all a couple bedtime stories.  One my brother told me during our backyard camp outs.  (Grape Ape)  About ten o'clock Emme started screaming.  Matt had told her to go to sleep and stop being loud since Livi was already asleep.  I told her she had a choice the tent or her bed.  She decided the tent.  About four am it became to cold so Matt brought them back in.  Livi was upset she wanted the tent.  We will try again next month when it is warmer.  

A new place to play

Waiting for story

The next day the kids had a day at their grandparents as we had a date day.  We drove up to Timpanogos to hike up and see the cave.   It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze as we started.  I couldn't believe how many people brought their little kids on this.  Several times we saw kids crying and saying they didn't want to go.  The hike is 1.5 miles up a steep mountain.  The trail is paved but one side is the mountain and the other side is a drop to utter doom.  Not exactly what I would call a kid friendly hike.  We were both sweating and there were moments where I couldn't breath from the thin air.  (I admit I am not in the greatest shape.  Slowly working myself back into it.  Five years of being pregnant, or recovering form a pregnancy or loss of one to work off)  But with Matt's sweet encouragement I made it up to the top and got to see the beauty of the caves.  Once we went in the caves it was a interesting experience.  There are several spots in the cave where you have twist, turn and bend to get through.  Your not aloud to touch anything but the railing which made it interesting to get around in.  It was hard for me at times and I am 5'3.  My dear husband is 6'5 barefoot.   After we were done he told me he would never go on in the caves again because how hard it was.  As we were heading down we saw a girl about Emme's age.  She was looked so tired.  Her mom asked how far they were from the top.  As we answered this poor little girl burst into tears "I don't want to hike anymore".  I hate when parents push their kids beyond what they can do.   

   After we finished we headed to our favorite Mexican place Guadalahonky's.  Then headed to see Maleficant.  It was a good movie, though it was a little dark for little kids.  The previews scared the girls so maybe when they are older they can see it.    

Before the hike

Under one of the tunnels

He had to duck down to get through

Mr. Chipmunk

Made it to the top in one piece.  I think this is the highest I have ever hiked.  

Inside the cave

Cool looking isn't it

Another tight tunnel

The wonders of mother nature

Inside the cave

They call it the heart of Timpanogos

Another narrow 

You can see the whole valley 

The whole hike made me miss Alaska even more.