Diamond Fork Campground

Sometimes we love to drag our children to unknown places, the entire time they are asking 20 questions and trying to guess where we are going. It is probably silly to not tell them where we are going, but it sure is fun to watch them squirm and be annoyed. Today we decided to go on a drive, we wanted to check and see if the road was open to the hot springs up Diamond Fork Canyon. Sadly it was not, and I am holding out hope they will open it in the next couple of weeks, but we made the most of it by stopping at a campground to explore. Hunter wanted to climb some rocks and I wanted a walk and to breathe some fresh air.

The teenager was not too thrilled about our Sunday adventure, thankfully a little time in nature did wonders for her attitude and she started to have fun with the rest of us. Being outside seems to improve all of our attitudes, I need to remember that!!

As we walked down the trail we heard Hunter singing about how he loves tunnels only to then have him appear from one underneath the trail. It didn't take much convincing to get his sisters to join him.

No one can seem to resist jumping pictures.

The stick fighting went on for awhile until Rob took a stick to the face which almost got his eye but instead left a nice gash on his cheek.

Samantha eventually took my camera and went off to explore with Hunter while we finished walking the loop. They found a tepee and came back to get Hannah so they could show her.

It turned out to be the perfect Sunday outing, the weather was beautiful, and bonus there was no cell service so we were forced to spend time talking and laughing with each other. Just what we needed!!

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Yesterday was my birthday and I am pretty sure it was one of the greatest days ever.

We are so busy lately, like bouncing from one thing to another until we all collapse into bed and then we get up the next morning to do it all over again. It is what this time of year brings, the final push of activities and programs before school ends and the beginning of summer sports.

But, by some miracle the day of my birthday we didn't have anything scheduled so we decided to take full advantage of it. Rob took the day off, the kids skipped school, and we headed out for one of our favorite hikes to the Hot Pots in Diamond Fork Canyon.

The weather was perfect and the water was so nice and relaxing.

We came home to shower and then headed out to dinner at another favorite, Tucanos.

I was spoiled by my husband, kids, family, and wonderful friends. It truly was one of the best days ever!!

Mother's Day

It has become a Mother's day tradition for Rob to cook me a dutch oven dinner, my favorite, and Rob's Mom, Sister, and her family all joined us this year to make it even more fun. The kids had fun climbing up the trails and on the rocks while Rob cooked and I sat back and relaxed.

Seriously the best Mother's day tradition!!

I told my family all I wanted was to not have to do a single dish and for everyone to try their best to get along. I am happy to say I didn't clean a single dish and my kids were great. They showered me with lots of love, notes, and cute gifts.

I sure love being Mom!!

Things To Do In Utah: Diamond Fork Hot Springs

I give this guy a hard time about hiking, but honestly I am so grateful he actually wants to take his family, sometimes kicking and screaming, out to spend time together. I can only hope one day the end result is three kids who are just as awesome as he is and who love spending time together.

BUT, I will admit, hiking into the hot pots is actually one of our favorite hikes.

Yes, even the wife who doesn't love hiking enjoys this one.

There is something magical about natural pools of hot water surrounded by gorgeous mountain views.

NOW, fair warning: for some reason this is a really popular place for skinny dippers. Which is why we have always started hiking at the crack of dawn. We really love having the place to ourselves and this way we also avoid seeing any unwanted human cracks.

So far it has worked out for us, and thank goodness we are a family of morning people.

When we reached the hot pots I made the mistake of telling Rob how this has been the best time hiking in. Everyone was happy, we made in in record time, and we didn't have any big wipeouts like we have in the past.

We hadn't made it very far into a trip back down the trail when Hannah slipped and fell into a huge mud hole, and then when we were almost to the car she tripped and scrapped up her arm pretty good.

Thankfully she was a trooper and kept going, but she wasn't very happy about it.

Me and my big mouth.

But when all was said and done we had a great time and enjoyed having the hot pots all to ourselves again.