Where in the World were the Halls?

We've been busy with our travels and haven't posted in a while- now that we're back get ready for a picture overload. We had such a fun time at Cole's Knob with Grandma and Granddaddy Hall. Isreal loves how they have "too much toys" a go-kart, a tractor with a trailer, their dog Prince, and of course Grandma and Granddaddy to play with. The entire Hall Clan was together for a brief overlapping day and a half (everybody except workaholic Llew- just kidding, I mean he really wasn's there and he really likes to work, but I don't want to go too far, he's family after all:)

The 2 travelling days were a bit trying, but we were able to relax, enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains, golf, swim, have hotdog roasts, go rock climbing, eat tons of yummy food (I gained 6 pounds), and be with family. We saw Callie Ann for the first time and got to know our cousins and in-laws even better. Thanks Grandma and Granddaddy for the trip. Look back soon for pictures of all our adventures.

Happy Independence Weekend!

First we went to Dana and Jason's block party and had lots of fun. Israel and Eliza especially enjoyed the rides behind the tractor. Then it was up to Bear Lake with all my side of the family that's living in Utah (27 people)- with only 2 bathrooms between us getting all ready for 8:30 am church was an adventure and I don't know how we did it, but we were all on time. Jane and Bruce brought up 2 4-wheelers with those and Mom and Dad's Polaris Ranger we got pretty dirty having fun driving up Mill Canyon and up to Temple Flat.


Aunt Jan let Israel and Eliza ride their miniture horse/pony Squirt. They took the baby bunnies for a "walk" and did farm chores brushing down Squirt and taking water to the goats.

We also of course spent plenty of time at the lake. Stan practiced open water swimming and my brother Mike gave him some pointers on howto swim straight (a problem in the Provo Tri) I rode the wave boards with my sisters and we all made sand castles and tried to keep Julia from eating them. It was great to be in Laketown- it's a place I can easily allow my body to really relax and enjoy.

We also went to Minnetonka Cave in St. Charles, ID. It was a really fun, cool tour. We spent 90 minutes underground. Israel was Grandma's buddy the whole time and was so creative. The last picture is of a Stalagtite( or is it mite) called the groom. Israel saw it and said right off that it was a space ship taking off. I think his interpretation is much better:)

Maple Canyon just Stan and Me

We had such a fun trip- climbing and camping and eating quick cold food so we could do more climbing. A HUGE thank you to Carrie, Allison, Brie, and Katie for watching our children so we could go. Here's some pictures of our fun. It even rained during the night- I love camping when it rains just a little in the night- hearing the rain tap tap tapping on the tent, knowing you're safe and warm and blessedly dry.



The Zen Garden that we finally found after a bit of an adventurous drive up the canyon. We loved it here and are planning to come back soon!

This is a picture of our serious faces. Don't we look tough.