Autumn Leaves

We decided to take a little drive and hike near squaw peak to see the changing maple leaves. We hiked up a mountain biking trail that Lori and I had been on in the past. We knew there were lots of maple trees in the area because we had been attacked by some maple-loving caterpillars there last year. Luckily, the caterpillars were gone, and they'd left enough leaves for us to enjoy.

Unfortunately, the caterpillars don't eat Zoobies - - plenty of them on the trail. Well fed too. They're probably the ones who ate the caterpillars. I don't really know how the BYU food chain works. Anyway, the leaves were gorgeous, and we all made it back down the mountain with minimal whining.

Stevens clan 1st day of school

The kids went back to school on August 20th. They were excited to start another year. Stockton is now in 5th grade, Annika is in 3rd grade and Sawyer is starting the 2nd grade. Sophie is back to chilling out with Mom all day and watching her favorite TV shows. (Sorry no picture of Annika, she had a wardrobe issue and did not want her picture taken, maybe we'll try again next week:)

Sophie and Kate

Sophie really likes to visit my cousin Kate. Just thought I'd share some pics I took of the two of them during our visit last week.

Riding in Grandpa Cleverley's boat

We took a weekend off and went to Idaho before the kids started school. Grandpa Cleverley was kind enough to take all of the kids on a boat ride around the Snake River near their house. The kids had a ball riding on the boat, looking for bugs and snails and eating snacks provided by Grandma.

Angie's Birthday Hike - Lake Hardy!

Chris and Angie were kind enough to invite Stockton and I on her birthday hike to Lake Hardy. What a great time! Chris and I try to do this hike each year, and it is not an easy one, but it's worth it.


The trail begins in Alpine, at about 5,200 feet, and ends at Hardy, which is just over 10,000 feet. Five miles one way, which means you gain about a thousand feet for each mile you hike.

I was worried about it being too hard for Stockton, but he did great! We saw deer, grouse, and rock chucks. Stockton was particularly interested in the "blazing fast" lizards we saw on the trail.



Upon arriving at the lake, we had lunch and took a swim in the ice-cold water. Chris, Angie and I did the swimming; Stockton refused to swim in the "snow water".


Before hiking back, we pulled out the Hostess cupcakes and sang Happy Birthday to Angie. Lots of fun and thanks to Chris and Angie for inviting us along!

Independence Day 2009

 
 
 
I know it's the end of the month, but I thought I would post some pics of the family at our 4th of July bar-b-que. There are a couple cute pics of my brother's baby Luke and of course my cute kids! We ate a lot and set off a bunch of fireworks!

The Boondocks Bash!

Sawyer turned seven on July 31st. This year he wanted to go to Boondocks for his special day, he wanted all of our family who lives here to come and his one special friend Seth. We all had a blast! The kids enjoyed squirting each other on the bumper boats, Earl, Ken, Chris and Stockton loved the batting cages. Annika did everything in her power to acquire TICKETS! Sawyer shot like a pro at laser tag and Sophie was running around just trying to keep up with it all. We were there about 4 hours and it was a lot of fun. Happy Birthday Sawyer we love you.