Hiking in Utah

Monticello (do I brag about it enough?) is perfectly located for so many outdoor activities. The mountains are less than half a mile from my parents' house, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are about a hour away, skiing and sledding and four-wheeling are so very accessible, and, lucky us, John's dad is the king of the wilderness. He knows lots of interesting places to hike and climb, and while we were home, he took us on a day's jaunt to Indian Creek.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. We took jackets, but didn't need them. Bella was perfectly happy in the wrap. ( I love my wrap!)Some rock climbers had set up camp before at this spot. Climbers, apparently, need pull up bars because rock climbing isn't in itself enough exercise? We tested it out for them.I hadn't considered (in Utah--in February) the need for sun protection. Poor Bella's head was woefully exposed. Luckily for her, Grandpa Larry has everything in the pockets of his cargo pants, and he was prepared with a child-size safari hat. She actually kept it on, too, which was quite the surprise.We crossed the Creek; Mimi fell in. She didn't throw a fit, though, which is a testament to the excitement of the day.
Bella was fascinated by Grandpa's beard. (You mean, people come in fuzzy versions? Why didn't anyone tell me this earlier?)
Mimi toted her water bottle up and down the rocks, sipping with great frequency.
I discovered I was more agile than I thought, scampering down this hill with my center of gravity all wonkified by the baby I was wearing. (Interestingly, considering my lack of grace last summer, it appears a 4-pound baby in utero affects my balance much more than a 14-pound 6-month old. Someone should do a scientific study. )
I think this is how Olivia pictures heaven now. Hills full of rocks to clamber around.
Mimi has no bum, a classic Nielson (my mom's family) trait. This is actually not much of a problem when she is wearing dresses, her preferred fashion statement. However, jeans are really designed to be held up primarily by, you guessed it, the bum. After she flashed us all a charming plumber's smile several times, Grandpa Wells decided something had to be done. Enter: the parachute-cord suspender. (Once again, supplied by his bottomless pockets.)
Mimi models it so beautifully. I think it will soon be all the rage among the preschool set.
And the sun, the sun really is amazing. My Vitamin D requirements for the entire winter were filled in that one day's hike.