hiking (read: life)

       I really love hiking. Except for when I'm actually hiking. Really, hiking is a pastime most enjoyed through the window of hindsight. Also, hikes are a metaphor for life. 

• Sometimes you gain satisfaction simply through the climb. 
• Sometimes you get to the top of a big hill and there is another big hill right there. Because sometimes you just don't get a break.
• Sometimes you can't believe how cool and shady and beautiful and flat it is.
• Downhill can be hard too—it's a lot easier to lose your footing and slide off the side.
• It's best not to run yourself ragged. Sit for a minute. You need the water. Even just a couple of peanut m&m's can perk you up. You might be surprised by how much better you feel after two minutes.
• Sometimes you feel really good even though you're on a big hill; conversely, sometimes you just have to plop in the dirt for a bit even though it's 'easy.' Both of these things and everything in between them are okay.
• Don't carry more than you have to. Unload the unnecessary baggage. 
• The trail can be hard, but it's still a lot easier than the not-trail. The way has been paved for us in the best way possible, even when it looks simpler to skip the winding road and cut straight through the ravine. Since we don't have the experience to make that judgement wisely, it's best to trust the people who blazed the trail. 

       Some of these are stolen from the young women in my ward (we all discussed the metaphor of hiking after doing Adam's Canyon together.) Lots of them are from my family and my own head, because my parents are awesome. In fact, it's my dad who first taught me that life and hiking are not so different, and we've since gone on enough spontaneous "mandatory family hikes" for me to come to agree. Also, the earth is made of rocks.
       Have an elevating week!

       Love, Grace

sleeping son steals hat and glasses, impersonates father

sisters wear "same" outfit, reveal differences in personality

Monday: The washer and dryer break. Tami decides to search for a new set after Kam declines to attempt a fix. 

Saturday: Tami plans to take Kam and go shop for a new set. Kam successfully deters her by utilizing a lot of time and YouTube videos to fix the washer.

Moral of the story: hatred of shopping is a strong motivator.

Other moral of the story: my parents are adorable and look at this paint from when we built the house twelve years ago. 

I love my hat