Hiking Stewart Falls

So yesterday my friend Katy and I decided it was a good idea to take 11 kids hiking up Stewart Falls. 4 of which were 2 and under. I know, totally crazy and not so smart we found out.
It is a 2 mile hike each way. On the way there it wasn't so bad. Most of the kids did great including my star son :) Preston! Although it did take us 5 hrs from start to finish. A bit long for so many kids and only 2 adults!!
Here are a few photos of our hike in.





Not such a bad time! Next are a few photos at the falls.
Going under that ice cold waterfall was exactly what I needed. It not only cooled me off but gave me the bit of energy I needed. It was SO refreshing and worth the hike!And this is a picture of my VERY dirty boy before we dunked him in the ice cold river! How does one get SO dirty??? There aren't any pictures of the hike back for 2 reasons. 1- I was dealing with 2 two year olds that were tired and whining which made me whinny myself :) 2- I carried Preston on my back most of the way down the mountain. Some nice guy stopped and offered to carry Scout down. I had to say yes. I was desperate and the poor girl couldn't stay awake any longer. I wish I would have gotten a photo of her sleeping on this strangers shoulders.
I was out of water for me. I had saved a little gatorade for Scout and Preston to make it down. These nice guys stopped us on their way to the falls and asked if we needed anything....water? Once again feeling deperate and vulnerable I could not say no. He handed me a water bottle that was dripping of condensation it was so cold. I just stood there crying unable to open it I was so happy! Oh boy was that a pick me up I need so badly that really helped me have the energy I needed to carry a 35lb 2 yr old down the mountain. Heavenly Father really knows how to take care of me!! He couldn't carry me down the mountain, but found a way to make it a little easier for me and the kids I was caring for!
Over all it was such a great experience.
Someday I would love to take Pete there without any kids :)