4-Wheeling In Utah 2010

This year we had some beautiful rides on our 4-wheelers. In Spring, we rode in the mountains above our home.

It doesn't take long to get there, but when we do, the terrain is awesome--lush and green in places with wild flowers and evergreens. We just love it. We make a day of it, pack a lunch and find a pretty spot to stop and eat.

On the way back, we look down at the valley below. Our home is somewhere down there, and the Great Salt Lake beyond.

The autumn, at the end of October, we made our annual trek to Marysvale, in Southern Utah. We timed it just right for the turning of the leaves.

On our first day we rode the eastern side of the mountains. The yellows were pretty impressive as was this lake.

Just off the trail was a buck elk and his doe.

On day two, we rode the western side.

There were more reds, and since we rode higher, awesome views.

Can't get much better than this!

Taking a break.

What we see.

Fun for the two of us!

September 23, 2010 - Kimball gets his hair cut!

October 5th - It's time to cut Kimball's curly locks off. Daddy says so.

We arrive at the haircut salon --It's just for kids!

Kimball wonders what is going on.

Does he look a little unsure?

Okay, here goes....

Wait, this buzzer thing isn't any fun!

As the locks are shed, Granma gathers up some fallen yellow curls.

Kimball's not happy.

Help me, MaMa!

What just happened?

He is distracted by the TV set while Grandpa pays the bill.

The airplane ride was the best part!

Mom soothes him with a balloon for bravery.

He gets to try out the car while mom and grandma look on.

He discovers another place to play at the shop.

Hey! This is fun!

He soon forgets to be unhappy.

In the car--a new look, Is this really Kimball? (Later at Costco, he holds onto his ears in the cold produce room. No more curly locks to keep them warm.)

Bair Gutsman Race, August 7, 2010

The three boys converged at our home to run the annual Bair Gutsman Race. It is a 13 mile run up the mountain above our home, and along the peak to an ending place near the top of Farmington Canyon. Last year was the first time they all came together for this race.

Before the race:

Bryce adjusts his shoes.

Eddie straps on his entry number

Derek fastens on his Camelback.

The three boys and Bryce's friend, Brad, line up at the starting line. It is 6:00 a.m.

Brad, in the lead, comes to the top and doesn't look winded.

Derek is coming up Death Row, the last hurdle before arriving at the top.

Eddie follows close behind.

The boys display their trophy--a "Conquer Thyself" T-shirt. Now we must wait another 12 months to do it again.

July 4th and 24th

July 4th weekend found us in Mt. Pleasant camping in our 5th wheel where we joined Bryce, Kate, and Kimball at Kate's parents house for the festivities. We started the weekend with a Friday 4-wheeling ride into the nearby mountains.

Saturday morning was the annual "small town" breakfast and parade.

We sit and wait for the parade to begin.

As is usual for small towns, a lot of candy is always thrown to the children. Bryce and Kate help Kimball collect some.

Grandma, too, gets into the act to make sure Kimball gets his fair share.

JULY 24th commemorates the coming of the Pioneers to Utah. We went to a parade in Bountiful on the 23rd, and then Bryce put on a spectacular fireworks show after dark.

It was a push to get his contraption put together in time. Ed helped him.

The fireworks tree was completed and moved into the street.

Bryce lights the first firecracker.

An impressive smoke screen goes off first.

The show is impressive and lasts several minutes, much to everyone's delight.

EARLY SATURDAY MORNING, JULY 24th, the family meets at the bottom of Ensign Peak for a hike to the monument at the top. This hike is a tradition of the Norman family. Ed and I join them this year.

Because of Kate's condition, she waits at the bottom. Kimball will climb up (or be carried) by his daddy.

Heber C. Kimball and Brigham first climbed this mountain a day after the saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. They received a vision where they saw what the valley would eventually look like during our day.

We reach the monument, after a fairly steep 45 minute hike.

Three generations of Kimballs stand at the summit.

The whole clan gather for a photo. A yellow banner was raised, reminiscent of the yellow bandana it is said Heber C. Kimball raised so very many years ago.

We sing the hymn, "High on a Mountain Top," with gusto.

We stand in front of our magnificent Salt Lake Valley that sprang from desert and sage brush since 1847, and has blossomed, as a rose!