The Hazard Chronicles

We had the Almond reunion last week down in Salt Lake. It was a good time, and it was great to see everyone. Here are some of the things we did:

Okay- we didn't ALL go rock climbing. Just Rach and I escaped one early morning to go to Little Cottonwood Canyon where we did two different classic multi-pitch climbs. Man, this place has changed since I was there last. With all the established trails and signs and belay stations with fixed anchors and everything it feels almost like a huge manufactured climbing gym rather than the natural beauty that it actually is. What hasn't changed are the clean granite cliffs with beautiful features. It is amazing that this place exists in such an urban area.

Yard work and Playhouse renovation. Not much more to say- just fun in the sun.

It was actually Evelyn's idea to ride the rail to downtown Salt Lake and do some exploring. Her and I went first. Everyone else followed. Good times.

Ev made a donation to the bird fund, or something like that. 

Just a fine and fancy ramble to the zoo- Someone told me it's all happening there, and I do believe it's true.

The older kids split off and explored on their own for most of the day. We came together at various times for different animal shows.

Our family made a few extra trips while we were there. The top picture is when we went to Park City for their art festival (I think it was called Park Silly, or something like that). Shannon came with us, and Rachel got to reconnect with an old high school friend. I think it won't be long before some of her art is hanging in our home. 

The other picture is a tour that we arranged at Temple Square in Salt Lake. Originally, everyone was supposed to go, but in the end it was just our family and Rachel's mom. 

Four people are having birthdays in the next couple of weeks, so we did a group party. 

All the grown-ups went axe throwing. Pent up aggression? Family bonding? Call it what you will, we had a good time.

We are actually standing in the back of a truck here.

We did a copper mine tour. I am still amazed, impressed, and a little bit terrified by how efficiently humans can dig up entire mountains. Wow.

On Monday night I look a red-eye back to Post Falls where I had to work the next day. Rach stayed back with the kids for extended fun. Stay tuned :).