October 18, 2011
Texts were flying back and forth as I looked at the window. It was still raining – drenching the streets, the mountain, our plans. I finger-tapped the question. “What do you think? Do we take a chance?”
Cami tapped back. “I was really hoping to go up into the mountains.”
“Then let’s go,” I typed. “Rain or shine, we’ll make the best of it.”
Making the best of it is Cami’s specialty. Cami is my cousin through marriage. But I claim her as my own. So we informed the others, and at high noon, we met at the bottom of the canyon.
The rain had stopped, the sun was soaking the sky blue, and the air was deliciously warm. It was Cami’s idea to round-up as many cousins as we could. And for those who came (we missed the rest of you) the day was… golden.
We stopped to picnic part way up the canyon, then loaded the kids back into cars and drove to the top. I noticed a trend on this outing. Try as I may, I’m always the first to start buckling and the last to finish. Always.
The roadsides were tipped with color. Mostly yellow. And once we reached the parking lot at the top of Millcreek, a dozen kids piled out and we hit the trail.
We had no agenda. It didn’t matter how far we went. Or how long. We just wanted to see the colors. Breathe some mountain air.
I wish I’d tried harder to pull everyone together for a photo. This shot, however, sums up my efforts for a group pic.
As for who’s who, we have Cami (she’s kind of a celebrity – you might recognize her from these videos), Jesica with the dark hair (another cousin-in-law), my sister Becca (front and off-center), and my Aunt Shelli.
We made a great tag-team, watching everyone’s kids, herding and shuttling children along the trail.
Here are some of my favorite moments.
My sister teaching her son, Gus, how to take a picture.
Ali showing me her treasures.
She even found this sunflower, a hold-out from summer.
Spencer refusing to hold my hand or climb on my back. “No. I do it myself.”
Both boys preferred to walk. But especially this guy. He’s all about independence lately (details on our latest diaper developments coming soon).
A special rescue mission to find Sam after she went the wrong way on the trail. She started to cry when she saw me. And I was relieved too as I swooped her into my arms. She rested her head against mine as me hiked up the hill to meet the others.
When I turned around to check on the boys, who were a dozen yards away, I found them completely derailed by a small pile of rocks and some weeds that were soft to the touch. Perfect for pulling.
I laughed.
What a scene. Those two with their crazy white hair, and the aspens steeping in gold.
But my favorite moment?
Standing behind the camera for these three shots.
Doesn’t Cami shine? She oozes with light and I can’t help but laugh when I’m with her. She knows how to have fun. She has the most vibrant personality. And it rubs off on everyone around her.
It is obvious that her girls love this about her too. She can draw out smiles, turn your day around.
There’s something so beautiful about her in these pictures. Her face. Her hair. Her daughters. The autumn world lit up behind her. All of it is golden. And I can almost feel the joy of her girls – the kind that comes when you’re tucked into your mother’s arms and you know with certainty, you are loved.
Our shot? Not so golden.
The kids were tired. Ali was contrary. I was realizing as we sat on that rock (due to the unpleasant smell), that someone had just stepped in doggie doo-doo. And a few minutes later, Gordon was stung by a bee.
Despite the last minute unraveling, I’m so glad Cami got us out there. That we didn’t postpone.
Because the next day, it snowed. And our golden world turned flat, seamless, and white.
There’s nothing like Fall. With her hunting and harvest moons, her hills glowing red and gold as nature shakes out her true colors. It never lasts long enough.
But I’m hoping for a few more golden days.
You?
TheKristencarol
this makes me want to get in the car the minute the kids get home and head for the hills! Thanks for posting 🙂
Tricia
Ahh- I've had an identical plan brewing in my mind for a couple of weeks now. The canyons are calling…
Deb
Oh…I'm so bummed I missed it!! Those photos are awesome! And was a sweet tribute to Cami…she really is a golden!
Love you Cath!
Shirlee
So jealous on so many levels! Looks like it was a great outing!
catharvy
Samsel – Loving your recent posts. Those family pics are gorgeous! I'd love to see you. Is pre-Christmas reasonable? 😉
Tricia – You have such beautiful colors where you are! Hoping your outing happens soon! Still laughing over the "twin" identity.
Deb – We definitely missed you! Next year? I think we should make it a tradition. And yes, Cami is golden!
Shirlee – We missed you too. So glad you're feeling better. I'm assuming everything is on the up and up. We still pray for you morning and night. Love you.
Anne Marie
Cath, first of all, thank you, thank you for all your encouraging comments on my blog. I really appreciate the love and sweetness. I hope doing that didn't keep you up too late last night (guessing from the times that were posted)!
I just read gift #74 about Eliza. I am so happy about that! Gift #75…I do hope they start staying in their cribs for you soon, friend.
What a golden day…just as you say. Look at the gorgeous yellow leaves. Fall is such a beautiful time of year. The mountains' colors always made me so happy when we were in Utah.
What a tribute to Cami. I love how you say that you claim her as your own. She does radiate love and goodness. You are so lucky to have family closeby. That is such a blessing for you and your kids.
I can't believe it snowed the next day. It is very good you got out to see the beauty while you could.
When I read about the bee sting and someone stepping in doo-doo, I totally could relate. We've had many outings that had little mini misadventures along the way. In fact, our trip to the zoo last week was a comedy of errors. In the last 30 minutes of our stay, a hot dog fell in the dirt after we had waited almost 15 minutes for it, and then a few minutes later one of my guys stepped on a dead rat that was covered by fireants which then started biting him. Then, I rubbed sunscreen in my eye during the ride home which then led to my eye stinging and watering so bad I couldn't see out of it…mama driving on the highway looking out through one eye….not such a good idea:) By the end of it, we were all laughing so hard because it all seemed so ridiculous…and one of my sons even ended up saying this was the best day ever…all from a few silly strokes of bad luck.
Love you, Cath. Thank you for your words. You radiate goodness with them. xoxo
Elizabeth
I loved this. The mountains are incredible lately. And I agree about your three favorite photos…I bet they will be treasures for Cami.
(I found you on segullah, by the way.) 😉
catharvy
Anne Marie – Yes. Eliza has made great strides. She has worked hard. We have spent hours doing homework, completing unfinished assignments, developing an incentive program. And her sweet teacher has been nothing but positive and encouraging. I am grateful for that. As for the boys, it has been a rough few days. No naps. Climbing out of the bed again and again. Me tying the door shut because it won't latch into the wall or lock. Everything feels amplified because I'm still going it alone. Doug has a few more busy weeks ahead of him. I'm not sure how to remedy the crib situation, but life as I have known it is indisputably over right now. And I'm not ready for the change. I laughed (and cringed a bit) over your zoo follies. What good sports – your sons (and you!) – to be able to laugh. Laughing easily is an art. One I am still trying to learn. It was such a treat to read your blog. I'm hoping you post again soon. Sending lots of love to you.
Elizabeth – I peeked at your blog. What darling twin boys!! And you seem like such an intuitive, tender mother. Thanks for reading. I hope to hear from you again.
Mika
Hey stranger!
I have dropped off the blogosphere for a wee while.
I am glad that I read your post today, it was just what I needed.
I forgot how much our family loved to go on a bushwalk. I think I need to make a Spring Bucket List, so I can list all the things I love to do when it starts to warm up after winter (funny to think we are on opposite ends of the earth…and you are doing things before it gets cold!)
Take care! Beautiful photos, with the backdrop of autumn trees…nice!
KESLER KREW...Cami
oh cath. the doggie doo-doo :0 you are one in a million…you sure know how to make a pregnant girl cry. thanks for the love, i especially needed to hear it …tonight, today, this whole week. is that bad to say? bad to say that we need to hear we are loved and that people are able to feel the love we have for them? i hope not, cause i needed it, really needed it. thanks so much for being my friend! let the plans begin again…
catharvy
Mika – I'm always fascinated by the fact that we are opposite with our seasons. Wild. So glad you're back to your blog. Missed you!
Cami – "is that bad to say? bad to say that we need to hear we are loved and that people are able to feel the love we have for them?" no, of course not! i think hearing it is hugely important. when we don't for a long while, we begin to feel empty. And knowing others can feel of our love? Just as important. it was a treat to write about you. let's plan our next outing!
Faires Bears and Toads
You take the most amazing photographs. Does your talent never end?
Shelli
Cath, such a fun few hours to see you and the kiddos and the rest of the clan. I was sad I had to leave early! Thanks for letting me be a part of it. And I love what you said about Cami. You captured her perfectly. She brings the sunshine. I, too, love your photography. You are so gifted as a mother, writer, photographer, and friend. Thanks for touching so many lives by sharing your gifts.