While summer ends socially on Labor Day and by the calendar on September 23 (this year). For me summer is officially at an end when we go to Maple Grove for our end of summer/beginning of fall fling. This year was a little different as it became an reunion of sorts for my family. Unfortunately, my youngest brother and his wife could not make it, but everyone else was there with bells on 🙂
The weekend started out with a dark cloud over the proceedings; I mean a literal dark raining cats-and-dogs cloud. However, Saturday morning the sun came out and fixed everything. For the rest of the weekend there was nothing short of weather perfection 😀

The kids had fun playing whatever games their minds could imagine, hide and seek, run and scream, climb and jump, and most frightening: chop and burn.

My sister had a couple of different activities planned, but the only one we did was sock tie-dye. Which was a big hit with the kids and adults alike.

I was in charge of the dinner that night so I didn’t get many pictures in but the brisket pot roast was well received and I think I will have to do it again. (hint hint Belinda 😉 )
We went on several kid friendly hikes and had a great amount of fun hiking to the spring (where the kids were able to drink water as it comes directly out of the ground)

On one of the hikes we were even able to find the only leaves that had started to change colors. Generally, we are in the middle of the fall color changes, but this year has been warm for fall.

My kids, as usual, loved the rope swing and spent hours out on the swing over the water.

On the last night I was able to get in some time with the brilliant central Utah night skies. There is a method for great star trails, and I haven’t figured it out yet.

I was amazed that my flash was able to light the cliff face for the pictures. Even just a little. (ps stupid airplanes 🙁 )

Until next year keep your face to the sun…