We were in Utah over fall break and last week. Do I even need to say that we had a blast? It should go without saying.
Rock climbing in Red Rock, up in Draper across from the golf course, was a veritable highlight. We went with Oberon's brother-in-law, R, who is an experienced climber. Oberon's sister, L, and brothers J & T, also climbed with us. Interestingly, the climbs were named by a dentist; the ones we climbed were named "Gum Cheese" (a 5.6 climb), "Dry Socket" (a 5.8 climb), and Facial Fracture" (5.7). For anyone more advanced, there are other climbs that go up to 5.11. This climbing spot is so perfect for a quick afternoon because the hike up to the climb is a short 5 minutes from the parking turn-off and there are benches and a fence at the base of the climb. We even took the children for the hike and to hang out for a little bit.
R took on the lead climbs for the 5.7 and 5.8 we climbed. This one is "Facial Fracture."
Oberon did very well for his first time on real rock.
I was so nervous to climb on real rock but it ended up being the perfect location for learning. The rock was so rough that I felt like a gecko, a very accomplished gecko.
Look at T go! He did a great job!
I managed to sneak up for a shot of the beautiful L on "Dry Socket".
The view of the Draper Temple revealed its perfect situation amongst the mountains.
I debated putting up the photo below. I love the duality of action and stillness but I hate the fact that you can tell I've had one too many slices of homemade bread and butter, home fried corn dogs, scottish shortbread, etc. For the record, I do not advise climbing in anything that exposes your knees. I frequently use my knees when I climb and like my climbing bottoms to reach just below them. This was an impromptu climbing trip so I had to climb in my running clothes. Mistake. I was way underdressed. Not to mention the unsightly mess that happens when a harness holds your body weight just across your bottom. (!!!)
Here is where it got really exciting for me. R taught Oberon and me how to lead climb. It was exciting and adventurous! I won't say anything else about it though because my mother highly disapproves.
A successful first lead climb!
Oberon's lead climb put my own attempt to shame.
I will always remember just how radiant the day was and how the mountains were alive and vibrating with color.
Then we took the brood to Murray Park. Oberon's parents have 9 grandchildren! Murray Park in Salt Lake City is a lovely place for photos, we discovered.
So it was my clever idea to throw leaves on onto the babies during a photo. Let me show you what they thought about that.
Two of the babies make a blurry cameo in this photo below.
And here the older 5 go running to grandpa and grandma for hugs.
Then we went to the pumpkin patch at Thanksgiving Point called "Cornbelly's". It is super fun and a great trip for the family. No actual pumpkin patches and the petting farm is not included in the admission ticket, but there is plenty and more to do for all ages.
My Pixie is best friends with her cousin C who is only 4 months older. They were inseparable!
I think the title for the one below is painfully obvious: "Children of the Corn??"
We even roasted hotdogs and marshmallows for smores in the firepit back at Oberon's parents' house. It's a terrible picture because I only used ambient light but I loved the visual effect of how alive and magical fire can appear.
And, for a treat, head to Gourmandise or Tulie's. Both restaurants were recommendations from my friend T and are amazing; the raw perfection of their food is beyond description. If you like french bakeries and patisseries, food glistening with freshness, and croissants that crackle on the outside with buttery consummation, you'll need to try Tulie's. I can't remember what is good at Gourmandise but T applauds their homemade yogurt. Next time, we'll have to try Les Madeleines.