Grotto Falls in Payson

Annette's family and our family were heading to Fremont State Park.  We wanted some kind of stop on the way and so we decided to stop in Payson to do the Grotto Falls hike in Payson canyon.  Online it said it was only half a mile and very easy...and that was true.  It was a really easy, really beautiful hike!

 My girls weren't particularly thrilled that we were going on a hike.  But they all agreed that this one was short, easy and worth stopping for.

One of the highlights of the hike was that as we were driving out of the canyon, we saw two deer right by the side of the road.

Fun and Games

On Sunday, we went to church.  We had a beautiful fast and testimony meeting and great lessons.  After church, we played games and spent time together as a family.

On Monday, we had a Nerf Gun War at their church.  First, we went our family and Suzy against Rebecca's family.  Then we mixed up teams.  Then we did children versus adults.  It was  a lot of fun!

Then that afternoon we had a water balloon fight.  Then we had a fire pit and roasted hot dogs.  It was such a wonderful trip!

Most evenings, we also took a walk in Nose Hill.  Each night we would see deer as we walked.  Calgary is really very beautiful.

I loved watching my children interact with their cousins.  I especially loved watching Gabby and Hannah play.  They especially enjoyed playing poison ball on the trampoline.  Both Gabby and Hannah cried the night before we left because they were so sad we were leaving.  I am so grateful for my family.  I wish we all lived closer together, but I am so very thankful for the opportunities we get to spend time together!

Canada Day and Hannah's Birthday

Hannah was born on Canada Day, July 1.  It was kind of fun to be in Canada on Canada Day.  We went to a museum called Studio Bell. It's a really cool museum, but it was crazy busy.  So we didn't stay as long as we might have if it weren't so crowded and busy.  Plus, Michelle wasn't feeling well so we had left her at Rebecca's house to rest.

King Edward Hotel used to be a place where bands played and people came to listen to music.  Studio Bell was built right where the hotel used to stand.

We tried to be a bit festive...though we should have worn red and white shirts...nearly everyone was.

 The museum really was quite cool.  There was an organist playing music on an organ.  There were interactive displays about music and technology.  Kids could try out a few musical instruments.  There was information about a wide range of musicians.

After the museum, we spent the afternoon playing games including Spot It and Forbidden Island.  That evening, after dinner we had "cake" for Hannah's birthday...created out of watermelon and berries!

I didn't take a lot of photos on Canada Day but we sure enjoyed our time together!