Elevation: 11,929 Feet

 During our first ascent of the North Peak of Mt. Nebo almost exactly one year ago, we were already talking about "next year." This time around, we were a little older, a little wiser, and we gained a hiker.  Karson, who was living in Germany last year, joined us for this climb.

 We made better time this year, but we stopped on this same log for our morning banana break.

 The sky has been somewhat hazy as a result of all the wildfires in the west these last few weeks, but the beautiful rainstorms early in the week cleared out the atmosphere and our view from the first lookout was magnificent.

 After we crossed Wolf Pass it was time to tackle some major elevation.  Bring it on.

 For some reason, I expected it to be easier this time around.  It was not easier.  But it was every bit as awesome.  The summit was breathtaking - and not just because we were out of breath.  We took off our shoes, sat on the not-so-comfortable rocks, warmed up in the sun and ate lunch.  Up above the treeline, we saw hawks, mountain goats, and thousands (literally) of ladybugs.  We felt like we were on top of the world. 

 At 11,929 feet, the North Peak of Mt. Nebo is the highest in the entire Wasatch Range.  We could see all the way past the Point of the Mountain in Northern Utah County.  The sense of accomplishment coupled with the splendor of God's creations made standing on the peak and surveying our surroundings an experience to remember.

As with last year, our party boasted the youngest hikers on the trail by far.  Several other hikers commented on how impressed they were, or how crazy they thought we were.  Regardless of what anyone else thought, at the end of the day when we looked back and saw how far we had come, our hearts were filled with satisfaction and gratitude.  We live in such a phenomenally beautiful place.  Our bodies are healthy and strong and allow us to do so many things that we love.  We get to enjoy and accomplish things like this together.  There is so very much to be thankful for. 

Soccer Stars

 My knowledge of soccer is about the same as my knowledge of quantum physics - pretty much nothing.  So when the recreation director asked if I would be the assistant coach for Isaac's soccer team for the second year in a row, I felt bad for the poor kid.  Since soccer skills are not going to be genetically bestowed on him, any chance of success is going to be somewhat dependent on a capable coach. 

 Regardless of coaching, Isaac was not incredibly enthusiastic about soccer.  This shot was taken mid-game, and unfortunately was not all that abnormal.

 The good news is, we had a good time, and at his age I think that's what it should still be about.

 While Levi was playing, the concession stand was usually more interesting than the game for these brothers.

 Levi takes sports a little more seriously than Isaac, and all of the rest of us for that matter, so it was great news when his team won the championship for his league.

 Levi likes to work hard and play hard.  He likes it when his teammates do the same.

 We were thrilled to have our friends the Reyes' as his coaches. 

One day when I dropped him off at practice, I told Levi to "work hard."  His coach said, "You can't tell him to work any harder than he already does."  We were happy that hard work paid off at the end of the season for this soccer star.

FHE

 Each Monday night, a different member of our family is in charge of Family Home Evening.  We just rotate through, so every six weeks, everyone has a turn.  The person in charge chooses the topic, activity, dessert, the works.  The running joke is that every time it's dad's turn, he teaches "The Value of Hard Work." Last time it was dad's turn, though, he took us on a family horseback ride.

 We love riding together.  It's something we can do that we all enjoy.

 Titus rode behind me, and we were only in the saddle for about an hour when he started saying, "Let's go back to the trailer, mom."

 A few days before our FHE ride, we saddled up with Titus behind Isaac, which worked out great too.

One night for FHE, the home Grandma Mary lives in invited all the families over for games and dessert.  We were so glad we got to go visit.  We are glad they take such good care of Grandma there.

We're far from perfect, but we do make an effort at having Family Home Evening.  Titus usually leads the music, and last week, right when Daisy was bearing a sincere testimony about the Sabbath Day, he was screaming and throwing a fit about playing with his toys and got sent to his room.  Far from perfect.  Daisy even said, "This is awkward" as part of her testimony since he was so disruptive.  The good news is, we love being together, and so we'll keep trying.