Grotto Canyon

Sunday morning. Sunshine and blue sky as far as the eye can see. Glorious. To glorious to spend in the city. They boys felt it too and begged to go hiking to Grotto Canyon. Didn't take much convincing.

Approaching the mouth of the canyon.

In late summer/early fall, this canyon is easy enough to traverse. We avoid it in the spring and early summer. As you can imagine, the creek crossings become more difficult with spring runoff. Now, they are just so much fun for a 5 and 6 yr old. No wonder they beg to hike the canyons!




The rock is worn smooth where the water rushes by in the spring. It is slippery and so much fun! Imagine the power of that water.




Up to the falls.






Not much water, but more then I expected as it has been so dry here for weeks.




Onto the dry part of the canyon, the geocaches and the 'cave'. In past trips, the boys have begged to climb to the 'cave' but we have always said no. This time, we let them go.








It was rather steep and a few dangerous spots. Here is a rare photo of me waiting at the mouth of the cave (rather just a very very large opening) waiting to assist the boys back down through the steepest, slippery spot.






The safest way down.




Looking back.












After a long day. Ryan crashes, Matthew...never.



















What a wonderful day. Nothing recharges my batteries like a day hike in the mountains. Ready to take on the week.

What a day!

We have been having the most beautiful weather these days! Had to take advantage of it and got out to the mountains, did some inner city geocaching as well as cooked hot dogs on the fire pit in the back yard last night. I don't know what it is but I love the fire. Somehow it restores the soul. I could stare into it for hours.


Here are the boys enjoying their hot dogs by the fire. Gosh I miss the days when they smiled sweetly for the camera.


Matthew by the fire


Ryan by the fire - no, he is not normally so leary of the fire


And a shot of our poor melting snowman. Yes, his head has fallen off and rolled away.

Some days are harder then others

We went geocaching today. Normally a day that the boys love. The first cache was just shy of 1 Km hike in along a river, no elevation. Weather was picture perfect. Matthew, who normally runs ahead was behind dragging. By the time we got to the cache, he was grumbling. So unlike him.

When we turned around to walk back, he begged to be carried. Sobbed. His foot hurt.

We made him walk it. Maybe that seems extreme. Like really bad parents, cruel, hateful. But even 5 months post surgery, he was able to do 4 km. But, that was with an AFO. I never realized just how much his AFO supports him.

It was so hard to see him struggle with what should have been a fun and easy day.

We go on Wednesday to see Ken, his orthotist. It was the earlist possible appt for him. He will be casted so Ken can make a new AFO for him. His first ever that is 10 degrees off neutral. Makes me sick to my stomach. For the first time ever, we are giving him a support that is not meant to get him to neutral position. I fear it is a step in the wrong direction, but the only thing we can do. And we are only 9 1/2 m post surgery.

I can only pray for guidance.