Pioneer Day in Escalante

The 'E' on the Mountain

We spent a long weekend in Escalante staying with Darrel and Rose (Chad's dad, and step-mom) it was our first visit since he retired and moved down there. When Chad was a little boy, his dad would give a dollar to the first person who saw a deer, and we did the same this year with our kids. They were looking everywhere. We finally came up on some antelope and cows and we had to stop and take some pictures. Austin is turning out to be quite the photographer, and we let him take a few pictures this trip. (check out the pics below) When we got there it was fun to see all the changes that they have made to the house and how they have made it their own. Darrel is a fantastic gardener and started a garden, and we reaped the benefits, and were sent home with some zucchini. (I can't wait to make some zucchini bread) Austin also helped his grandpa water and pick some peas (that he loved and wanted me to get some like that at home) and was in heaven being grandpa's little buddy.

We got there Thursday afternoon, and left Sunday morning. This is usually a huge family event but Casey, Dusten and Nick had to work so it was Chad, Me and kids and Asenath and lil' D came down, with coaxing from Rose and I. We had a lot of fun. Chad and Darrel went fishing, while Asenath and I took the kids on a hike to the petrified forest. We were quite proud of ourselves taking 3 kids (a 4, 3 and 2 year old) on a mile and a half Intermediate difficulty hike. All by ourselves and best of all no one died!! We got to go to 'Cowboy Blues' (The best restaurant in Escalante) to see Darrel and Rose hard at work (they both have part-time jobs as servers) They were so cute!!! On Saturday the whole day is filled with fun!! Especially for the little kids. The day starts at 6am when the cannons start going off, and then the Bandwagon (a truck pulls a trailer with an actual band playing music) drives around town, getting everyone up and excited about that day. Darrel was nice enough to come and get Austin to see the bandwagon while Chad and I lazily stayed in bed. Then at 9:30 the Children's parade starts. Where all the kids in town decorate their bikes, scooters, 4 wheelers, motorcycles, go-carts, you name it and drive down the street then turn around and come right back. Then at 10am the Parade starts where everyone throws out candy and prizes. Towards the end there is a fire truck that shoots water at the crowd, all the kids run to get wet and cooled off! Austin and Alyssa aren't too sure of themselves about running out into the street and picking up all the candy, so other kids get it first but they both got a haul!! They even got to meet Smokey The Bear. We went over to the old school where they have the carnival. Austin and lil D had so much fun with their cousins Christian and Crew they played on the blow up obstacle course and they had a blast!!! Alyssa tried it but was a little nervous. After the Carnival we went back to Grandma Roundy's house to have dinner and after we went to the bottom land for S'mores and to drive the four wheelers, Chad was able to practice shooting his bow and arrow for the bow hunt next month, I hate that he is hunting (I know I am a wuss) but he looks so hot shooting it :) And I am glad he gets to have the 'male bonding' with his dad and brothers.
Anyway at 10pm the awesome firework show starts. They are so close and huge. The kids loved it. Well, Alyssa love-hated it. Once they started she had to cover her ears she said it was "too wowed." Austin loved it and was trying to fight sleep and keep his eyes open but after all the days activities he lost the battle. Austin and Alyssa were out like a light before the Grand Finale.
We left after breakfast this morning. It was so hard to leave. We always have a good time and we already miss Darrel and Rose, and the kids miss and love their Grandma and Grandpa Spencer to death. Thanks for a great weekend We love you! Thanks for all you do for us!!!

Austin's pics that he took...he may have found his calling.