Fall Break in Hyde Park

When we headed up to Grandma and Grandpa's house over Fall Break this year, we didn't expect it to be an exotic destination.  In truth, however, we were treated to bucolic wonders.  Half of the highway in Sardine Canyon was filled with thousands of trotting sheep. According to the newspaper, this is an annual occurrence as the sheep are herded to greener pastures.  Next year we'll have to plan ahead and watch the sheep parade through Brigham City as well!

Upon arrival in Hyde Park, Annika made a beeline for the front yard.  You'll have to look hard to spot her among the branches.  Terrifyingly enough, this was taken on the way back down.  She was actually much higher before I found out and called it quits on the neck-breaking heights.

We drove up Smithfield Canyon in search of more autumn colors.  

Enjoying our short hike.

It's a small wonder that our kids enjoy hiking with Grandma Susie best.

We took a detour to scope out this amazing backpacking spot that Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles discovered.  Not far from the trailhead, it would be a great place to come back and camp as a family.

Turns out it's also a great spot for frisbee.

Out in nature with his family and a disc, you could literally see the stress melt off Jason.  This handsome man needs more time to relax and play.

Tucked away in a corner was a fantastic rope swing.  Does life get better?

Back on the trail, we crossed the stream...

...then turned around and went home for some dinner.  After all, everyone knows that Grandma's cooking is the best, and Grandpa's trees are best for climbing.

Annika wasn't the only one to sit in this leafy perch.  Talia found it the perfect place for crocheting.

A time lapse video of her mad crocheting skills, with apologies to Uncle Ben for the orientation.

Through her choice of wardrobe, Annika gave us a not-too-subtle hint that we ought to get out and do something Halloweeney. 

And so, we headed off to North Logan's pumpkin walk, but not before checking out the new pickle ball courts at the park Grandpa Charles has been developing.

Brooklyn and Talia attempt pickle ball with a disc.  I think they are confused.

At last, the pumpkin walk with a patriotic twist.

This Goblin Valley display, created by the Anderson family, was my favorite.  Check out the crookneck squash scorpions!

Okay, this goblin might be my very favorite, but his head is filled with much more than goop and seeds.

Runner up for awesomeness: a huge display commemorating the movie Sing.

Last but not least, Baby Yoda, created by Charles and Susie's next door neighbors.  You can't go wrong here!

A few attempts at a fall family photo.

And...she's off.

Next stop, Aggie ice cream for refueling.  Every great town needs a great ice cream shop.

Back at Grandma and Grandpa's house, Brooklyn did a fantastic job performing in her Zoom cello recital.  I'll upload a video if I can figure out how to decrease the file size.

A final few moments of play time before a delicious dinner and heading home.  Who wouldn't want to roll around in giant cardboard tubes?  The only thing Annika enjoyed more was looking for snakes by the creek.  She found a couple too, but mean mom that I am, I wouldn't let her catch one and bring it home.  We have enough pets.

At the end of the day, Annika had so much fun that she didn't want to go home.  When it was time to leave, we couldn't find the car keys anywhere.  We were all searching and searching when Susie asked me if I thought Annika would have taken them.  I told Susie that I didn't think she'd be quite that capricious when Annika runs into the back room and comes out with the keys.  Apparently she'd hidden them under her pillow because she didn't want to leave.  That child!

Charles and Susie, thank you so much for welcoming us for this fun weekend.  Whether canning tomatoes or spackling the mud room, Hyde Park always feels like home.