The Whole Gang!!!

Here we are.... the entire Arnold family!!!

Can you name them all???

Here is a list of the individual families see if you can pick them out!

And can I just say thanks to all the kids who did not:

pick their noses, pick their neighbors noses, give anyone bunny ears, and hide in the bathroom!

All of us parents appreciate it!!!

David & Lenni

Sean & Karyn; Andrew Brooke Anna Emily Ian

Josh & Christy; Melissa Julie Jonny Alex Megan

Michael & Marie; Brent Aaron Paul Hyrum

Joseph & Lydia; Emma James Isaac Mathais Thomas Luc

Andy & Sarah; David Lili Michael Katie Laura Allison

Sam & Michelle; Isaiah Janelle

Matt & Nicole; Rachel Jocelyn Madilyn

Is it me or does it not really look like that many people??? Huh it felt like a ton of people! Well, not to worry there are several who are still thinking on having more babies. The family will grow and before we know it the older ones will be going off to college.

It was a beautiful summer Saturday, one of the last few remaining in the year so we fully took advantage of it! Grabbed some snacks and lunch and then headed off to Kanarra Falls. If you have never done this hike it is a fairly easy one. The hardest part is the beginning! You used to be able to drive to the trail head but for whatever reason they have blocked off the roan and you have to walk up the steep road now. If you can make it up the road the rest is a piece of cake!!

Once you are off the road it doesn't take too long before you are following the creek. (Now if you are from Utah you should be pronouncing that crick) Water shoes make this hike so much more enjoyable. You are not always in the water but a portion of the hike is so a nice multi functioning shoe works well. Just don't wear something that you care is going to get ruined because it probably will. Notice all the cutoffs and swimsuits? We are about to have some fun! Fun= Dirty!

Emily Wins for being the first one down the first little "waterfall" we came to. The creek has lots of large flat rocks that create these "falls". So if you were picturing waterfalls like Niagara Falls you were way off base! You can see how deep the pool is where Sean is standing. it is never deeper than that. And then only in a couple of places was it like that. Of course we have never been when spring run off was in full swing so....

Anyway we climbed over logs and walked through the water and had a lot of laughs. We found lizards and butterflies and even passed a family who had caught two 7in fish in the creek! You can see little white Audrina there she was the second person to get wet. Ian was the third but it was only because he tripped and he was not happy about it. funny how when they want to get wet they laugh and when it just happens they cry even if it is just seconds apart. And after a couple of hours we reached the entrance to the slot canyon. Once you get inside the canyon the walls get to be pretty close and then you reach the point that I hate. This particular fall is in the actual canyon so there is no way around it and the only way past it is up a fallen log that some pioneer who has come before has nailed boards to. A makeshift ladder if you will. A very scary prospect. It wasn't so bad this time because the log itself was dry. however a couple of boards were missing and I have vowed that the next time we come we bring new boards, screws and a drill.
Once up the ladder you hike a little further and come to more flat rocks that create Kanarra Falls. Well we assume. this is as far as we have ventured because at this point the hike has taken about 3 hours and we are tired! Here he have lunch and play in the water and take lots of pictures. The slot canyon continues up further and on day we may try it without the little ones. Just to see where it goes.

And even though the summer is waning and almost over, yes the water is still cold. Because when snow melts on the mountains and runs down into creeks... it's cold!

Back to School

What a magical week!

This was the week that saved everyones lives.

The kids were bored out of their minds and I was going a little out of mine too! But then the day came and we were all saved!!!!

Doesn't he look so excited to start High School?

Okay maybe it was a bit too early in the morning to expect excitement.

Brooke was a little more excited though. She has been dreaming of this day for many many moons!! She loves school! That's right, little Anna Banana looks way to grown up. 5th grade here she comes!

Emily was entering a new level so she gets a whole new learning environment! She was too happy to be tired!

Notice how I pick my battles with this guy. Long hair is fine but his room better be clean! We did get him to trim a couple of inches off so he could actually see his mentor and friends!!

So glad we are all back on a schedule again. I thought I wouldn't survive the summer another week. Luckily the kids are just as happy about it as I am. Social little butterflies that they are! It is all about friends and fun with a pinch of learning thrown in just for good measure!!

Tuesday was a very exciting nervous day. There was a fire by the freeway over pass.

Which is not too far away from our house.

The kids were perfectly safe and Andrew got some pictures from our balcony.

Our fire department rocks though and had it out before any structures or people were harmed!!

Thanks guys!!