Boys, Spidey Sense & Stupid Ice Cream Trucks...

Last week Saturday I took my nephews (Ezra 11, Alvin 7, and Kuso 5) to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo.

This was their first time hiking EVER. So I wanted to do one that wasn't hard or long so that they could have a good first experience.

We hung out at the bottom of the waterfall for a little bit just hanging out before starting on the trail. Beforehand we decided that Ezra would lead us, Alvin would follow behind him and Kuso and I would take the rear.

I totally wished I had a scout manual on me!!...I know the motto is "Be prepared" but what is their advice and direction when a kid is on his/her first hike?? I really wanted the boys to have an awesome experience because if it sucked, they may not want to go again. And the thing that has been so relaxing and healing to me since moving to Utah is being able to explore in nature. Anyways without a scout manual I was left to wing it, so we discussed the importance of paying attention and staying focused, not running, helping eachother, sticking close together and the things that could happen if we don't follow direction....and yes I did mention falling to your death.

What?! I think transperancy is important.

Anyways I asked if they understood and they replied in unison exactly what I wanted to hear. "Yes Aunty we understand".

So for the most part everything went smoothly. Until we were at a somewhat sketchy part of the trail. There is one spot where you have to scramble across this very short area thats a gap in the path with some loose gravel. With a little direction and help Ezra went first. I helped him part way and he was very careful. He got across with no problems at all. Even though he was confident and the gap in the path was just a few feet..I found my whole body tense up in worry as he crossed. But besides the whole tense thing I felt like I had this amplified awareness of how he was moving and could almost predict what his next step was going to be. It was like a spidey sense. I think parents may be secret super heros with special powers in regards to their kids. (Maybe unbeknownst to me Pam might've loaned me some of her secret spidey powers when i came to pick up the boys.)

Anyways, Alvin was next...he kept looking down and seemed hesitant to cross. So I talked with him a bit about what to do, helped him part way across and told him Ezra would help him at the other end. So he starts across very slowly but steadily. He is not to far off from Ezra, who seems focused on him and ready to reach out to help him across...but then the sound of this stupid ice cream truck fills the air and Ezra looks away from Alvin for a second...As soon as I hear that blasted song I immediately look at Alvin who became nervous because Ezras attention for that second is not on him and he moves faster then he intended and slips. LUCKILY he slips after he crosses the gap but it scares him nonetheless (and scared the crap out of me as well). Alvin stood up and quickly gave Ezra a couple of punches in the gut. I was beyond grateful that I was looking at Alvin pummel his brother instead of being hurt from a fall.

Suffice it to say we had a very lengthy conversation about safety and staying focused. But I also told them how great they did helping eachother and looking out for one another. We all had a great time and they asked when are we going again.. but this time on one thats longer :) Hopefully it'll be soon...possibly after i get a scout manual.