Hiking with Ten Kids

 Friday was fall break, which meant Desert Boy didn't have school. I took the day off work, and figured with the good weather we should make the most of it. That meant inviting some friends to join us on a hike. We ended up with ten kids. (I didn't count them till the end--I guess maybe I shouldn't admit that!) We also had a few adults, thank goodness!

We decided to take the South Fork Baker trail and try to do the loop around to the Baker Creek trail. According to my book (page 70), the hike is 3.1 miles long with a 950 foot elevation change. A little ambitious for ten kids? Maybe. But we had lots of snacks. And lots of energy. And we could always turn back.

We set some ground rules: the kids had to be able to see an adult, no sticks taller than you are, and no whining.

 One of the biggest things to decide was the leader. The kids took turns, and even the little ones had a chance. Desert Girl thought it was cool to lead the pack.

 We still had some fall colors, but many of the aspen leaves had already fallen off the trees. We even found some frost, which was beautiful on the fallen leaves. (I didn't manage a photo, thinking I would take one later!) The hike reminded me of one we did last year with friends, where we picnicked in a nearby meadow.

 This time we made the second bridge over the South Fork our first snacking stop. Wow, you should have seen how fast the kids whipped out their snacks. They were ready to chow down! We told them to fuel up, because we had a steep hill to conquer just ahead.

 Before we did that, the boys had to try their best to get wet. The adults were quite surprised that no one fell in. We were glad, though, we still had a ways to go.

 Here we are, heading up the steep trail! I was so impressed with Maria, who was carrying 11-month old Izaak. She hasn't done many mountain hikes, but she did great.

 I made Desert Girl hike. She was slow, but she could be persuaded with some extra snacks and cajoling. When she was in a good mood, she let her tongue hang out. I hope that isn't a habit that sticks!

As we hiked, we saw some icicles hanging from a tree. Brrr! The nights must be getting cold. It was perfect hiking weather for us, though, not too hot or cold. Lack of heat also meant that we didn't have to carry as much water, which was a real plus. 

Before too long (none of us had watches, so we didn't know how long!) we made it up to the big meadow, which is about the half-way point of the loop.

 Izaak was free! Snacks and lunch came out! Everyone ate and drank. And then the games began.

 The kids found a shady spot for a fort.

 I sent them on a mission to collect a leaf from the bush. They ran to it--so I knew they had plenty of energy left!

 They also ran back!

 Well, most of them. Ryleigh decided she wanted a turn in the backpack!

 Izaak crawled all over, exercising his little muscles.

Before long, though, we heard the cry, "Charlie got wet!" His boots, socks, and bottoms of his pants were wet, but it was warm, so he didn't mind. I wondered who else would get wet.

It didn't take long to find out. Soon I heard wails from Desert Boy. He had ended up in a deep spot and was soaked from his chest down. We wrung out his clothes and put them back on to dry. I hadn't brought any extra clothes, but I figured he would be okay. In just a moment, we found he'd be more than alright, as Ernesto was wearing a double layer and shared his extra clothes. We all decided that Ernesto was the perfect hiking partner, as he would literally give you the shirt off his back.

 The adults hanging out in the meadow. Have I said what a nice day it was?

 Eventually it was time to go. Ava caught a grasshopper.

 She doesn't let her cast slow her down at all!

 We reentered the woods, went up a slight rise, and then descended through the forest to the bridge at Baker Creek, where once again the kids did their best to get wet.

 I didn't have much time to take photos, as Desert Girl had fallen and declared she needed a bandaid. Our rule is "No blood, no bandaids" (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!). She had an itsy, bitsy scratch with the teeniest amount of blood, so I gave her a bandaid. And then another to make her happy.

 The big kids hiked without complaint. They followed the rules well. The little kids all fell asleep on the way down. It was quite the trek for them!

 Desert Girl woke up for the end and insisted that her pant leg be rolled up so her bandaids would have plenty of air. She was grouchy, but she did it.

We made it back to the trailhead about four hours after we started. It was a great hike! And I think all the kids slept well that night.

Preschool Fun

 Preschool has been back in session for awhile, and Desert Girl absolutely loves it. Actually, Desert Boy comments that he wishes he could go. He really liked all the playing and different toys. Teacher Gwendy says that most kids say they wish they could go back. You'll see why in this post.

On my carpool day this week, we had a good crowd, so I started taking some photos.

 The six bigger kids from last year are all in kindergarten this year, so it makes for a younger and calmer preschool group this year. The kids are still learning how to get along, but they do pretty well. Here Desert Girl and Isaac take the baby for a shopping trip.

 One of the best things the kids learn at preschool is that they have to put away one activity before they can get out another. I try to reinforce that at home--but it doesn't always work. Some may think that my house has had a windy fall storm go through it. It has, that storm is just named kids!

 This was Ariel's first day at school, and I think she liked it a lot.

 These two are always busy. When they get quiet, you know that they are into something they're not supposed to be into.

 Evan was kindly showing Andie how to do this puzzle. He's the big kid in the class now.

 When it was time for group, they all sat down so nicely and reviewed the colors and numbers and alphabet. The repetition works--Desert Girl sings the ABCs all the time, until we kindly ask her to pick a different song.

 It's quite an experience watching them all, seeing how much their young minds can absorb.

 Ella is one of the older ones and helps the younger ones learn.

 I took a couple videos with my camera that I now have to figure out how to reduce in size to get onto YouTube. I also took a few stills, like this one of I'm Taking My Home My Baby Bumblebee.

 The answer was three--both the boys got it right. Isaac looks like he's still checking his fingers.

 Then it's time to do their papers. They eagerly run over to the table and find a seat. The special number for the day was number "1".

 Then it's snack time and recess. Who wouldn't like preschool? In fact, I think I'm ready to go back. As you can see by the long sleeves, it's starting to cool off. Our unseasonably warm autumn is about to come to an end. We've had a strange weather year this year, but overall I have to say that it's been pleasant.

 Throwing balls was a favorite activity on this day.

 Ariel had her mom give her a push on this colorful tricycle.

 More ball playing.

 Ariel really wanted me to take her photo.

Then we decided to try for a group shot. These are always so hard to do, as the kids don't really want to sit still and look at the camera at the same time. I've yet to figure out how to do it successfully. With that disclaimer, here's the best one of the bunch:

 Maybe we'll have to try at the beginning of recess next time!

And just in case you don't believe me that it's the best one, check out this photo (where we admittedly let them make faces):

 'Are we done yet?'

A Colorful Hike

 The other day Jenny and I loaded up a bunch of kids and headed up to the Summit trailhead to do a short hike. Here's Isaac at the trailhead, ready to go.

 The main goal of the trip was to enjoy some of the fall colors. We've had a beautiful fall, with lots of warm days and cool nights.

 We had the kids pose at the beginning of the hike. They were all in fairly good humor except for Desert Girl, who was not at all happy. Especially when I made her walk.

 The "big" kids took turns being the tour guide and finding interesting things to show us.

 Hiking with kids always makes you see things in a different way. They showed us things I certainly wouldn't have seen without them.

 After awhile Desert Girl stopped scaring the wildlife with her crying and started enjoying being outside.

 The aspens provided a wonderful foreground for the mountain scenery. The kids didn't seem at all impressed with the scenery. They loved the fallen tree obstacles, though.

 Pinecones were a very fun item for Isaac and Desert Girl.

 We continued hiking, in search of more fun items.

 This tree stump provided a good photo opportunity.

 These two crack me up. They are always talking and showing each other stuff.

 I think they were cracking each other up, too!

 Desert Boy tried to make a bridge of pine cones on the way back. It didn't work too well, but it looked neat.

Jenny remarked about the eyes on the trees. How cool!

 Then Jenny pointed out the bulgy aspens. I had never seen them before, even though they're next to the trail. I'm not sure what causes the bulges. We only found the trees in one area.

Even with a few little temper tantrums, we achieved our goal of enjoying the fall colors. This is such a magical time of year. I hope we can go on a few more hikes and enjoy the bright hues.