It's Seriously been 20 years!!!

All smiles before the hike.
They had no idea what was ahead of them.

View of the spectacular Mountains.

I love how misty the mountains look this early in the morning.
Although it wasn't mist, it was smog or smoke.

How cute are they?

Beckham and Jaren resting in front of a cool rock formation.

You know your getting old when a Park Ranger asked if anyone has been here before and you answer, " Yes, 20 years ago!!" That was my response today at Timpanogos Cave. My Mom and I decided last week to take the kids up to the caves. I couldn't believe that it had been 20 years since the last time I had been up that trail and through the caves. It's a completely different experience with your own children. I worried about it in the middle of the night which caused me to lose sleep. When I was packing the backpack thoughts of someone tumbling down the mountain kept me from bringing my nice Nikon camera. I opted for the smaller, older one. Now regrets are flying through my whole being. The battery stopped half way up the trail, the flash went off far too much washing out most of the faces and scenery. Sigh, such is life according to Amberlyn. I have made a vow with myself that it wont be 20 more years before I make it up this hike and through the caves. I wont be leaving my nice camera behind!

I had talked with a few people and both times they told me the trail was difficult. Paved, but difficult. I woke up this morning feeling sick and now I realize that the sickness I have been experiencing in the early morning hours before a race is from nerves, not anything else. I almost wanted to call the whole thing off. But I knew better. Jaren, being the tough and rugged pre-teen, wanted to carry Grace in the beginning. I was pretty impressed with how far he actually carried her. Then my Mom took her turn. She carried Grace for about 20 minutes. I carried Grace the rest of the time and it was hard, but exhilarating at the same time.

I was surprised by the strength that my body exhibited. All the hard work that I have been putting in to be healthier and more fit is actually working. It was a very spiritual experience to see the grandeur and magnitude of the mountains, and to feel my body be alive and working so efficiently.

I will never forget the way Grace treated me up the mountain. Patting my checks, hugging my neck, playing in my hair, singing to me. I loved the feel of her chubby hands on my face and neck and listening to her sweet voice in which she continues to find intriguing. It was a great reminder of how wonderful it is to be a mother.

It wasn't all fun and games trekking up the mountain. If you have me a dollar for every time I told my older kids to stay on the "inside", and "please walk", I'd be a millionaire. Okay, maybe just a few hundred dollars richer. But still... It was stressful to keep 5 children up against the mountain and away from the ledge. But they did great and I am proud of them for making it up, through and down the mountain in one peace. The only meltdown we had came from Beckham. He told me, through tears, that his legs were just too tired and he couldn't go any farther. Miraculously, after getting his flashlight, the hike was a breeze. Kids, they kill me.

The caves themselves were awesome!! Well worth the hike, the sweat, the tears, and the pain(not that there was too many of those things). I highly recommend taking your family. The only other thing that was missing from this day, was Brent. Next time it's a MUST that he come.