Goodness, it’s been a little over a month since I’ve posted. Life’s been crazy but I’m glad to be back here. I’ll post a little catch-up post soon but this is a summer adventure that deserved it’s own little post.
My mom’s dad, Grandpa Frank as his grandkids call him, is amazing. Growing up he could always be found gardening, hiking, supporting, and loving. He’s in better shape than most of his grandchildren…one year he beat us all in the plank challenge. Impressive, I know. Not only is he active physically but his endless wisdom ceases to amaze us as we ask him for advice, help on papers, answers to tough questions and any other thing we need help with. His example of love for his wife, Grandma Kate, is nothing short of beautiful and we all look up to him in every way. His life hasn’t been perfect, you should hear some of his stories 😉 but he is a spectacular example of enjoying the journey and living life to the fullest.
As long as I can remember, every 24th of July he leads us on the Alta to Brighton hike. Supposedly this tradition has existed longer than I’ve been alive and every year we look forward to this summer adventure. Our numbers are growing rapidly, but every year this hike happens and it’s one of our favorite traditions.
We start early in the morning with Grandpa at the lead and we hike from Alta to Lake Mary near Brighton. At Lake Mary, we pull out the snacks. Pepper jack cheese, salami, crackers and grapes are all staples with some trail mix thrown in there as well. We talk, laugh and simply enjoy one each others company in the beautiful mountains.
After our lunch at Lake Mary we finished the hike down to Brighton Ski Resort.
Siblings who we couldn’t live without, cousins who are more like best friends, aunts and uncles who have raised us right alongside our parents. Family is truly what makes life so meaningful. How grateful I am for the traditions of life and for wonderful Grandpa’s, Grandma’s, parents, leaders and teachers who lead the way in this crazy journey we call life.
The Way of the Wards 