Rock Canyon Hike, Part 2: The Rest

So here's how the rest of our canyon hike/excursion played out.  Pipilo didn't really like being in the backpack carrier, but he'd pipe down as long as Unkey Dino kept a move on.  He also provided Daniel's neck with a steadily streaming spit shower as he raspberried his way up the mountain.  The older boys were wild and free, wielding sticks and making up games as they went.  Buddha boy wanted to always be at the front, blazing the trail for the rest of us.  He and Cash bounded along happily together.  My Buggster tuckered out easily and would fall behind with limbs drooping, calling for someone to help him up the trail.  As you'll see in the pictures, he found that willing savior in Uncle Daniel, who towed him along via stick.  Bugga also got in some rock throwing and was able to practice his (obviously) non-existent whistling skills.  Jude either shuffled slowly or, if encouraged to pick up the pace, really slowly (the little stinker).  He meandered contentedly, sucking his two middle fingers and soothing himself by rubbing his ear.  Eventually, he hitched a ride on his dad's shoulders. Bronson was an amiable, young chap; he just allowed himself to be carried along quietly by the wild current that is our family.  And then there was Ari.  Dear Ari.  I love this kid.  He hooked up the dog's leash to his ankle and pretended that he was being followed by a snake throughout the entire hike. We had our work cut out for us making sure that none of the other kids walked behind him, thus increasing his risk of being tripped up and face-planted.  At times, when the adults' attention had wandered, Ari would screech about so-and-so following too close to his snake, instigating a strident see-saw of "No I wasn't!" and "Yes you were!"  Ari and his antics kept a wide grin pasted to my face throughout our adventure.  He is a very funny, very smart, very creative kid.

P.S. I'll let the "fatal gases" photo explain itself. Oh yeah. I've got you hooked now, eh?!