If You Could Hie To Kolob

Our saga begins at Great-grandma and grandpa Bracken's cabin. It's on the Kolob terrace, just to the west of Zion's National Park. It is also, coincidentally, the site of the Ron and Lynda Bracken reunion this year.

Grant was fascinated with looking out off the deck into the open field in front of the cabin.

The reason for this: horses. Uncle Scott and Aunt Holly brought up two, Blacky and Marty.

After one time on the horse (not even a ride), Grant was all in. Here, he has appropriated Uncle Scott's hat for more productive purposes.

Brittney was wonderful. It seemed like every time we turned around, she was hauling Grant down the hill to see the horses again.

Kaden embodies all that Grant idolized on this trip. G didn't waste any time getting to know Britt or Kaden.

This is the view from the cabin, off the deck towards the north. Here, our intrepid explorers begin their long journey into the wilderness.

At some point, I lost track of how many times they rode this little circuit, but it was at least three at this point.

This summarizes everone's feelings at the end of the weekend.

The First Birthday Bash

One of the beautiful parts about growing older is new benefits. Here, Mr. Grant is testing out his driving privileges.

It's also necessary to enjoy the breeze while driving. Ignore any resemblance to a dog hanging out the window.

Now for the birthday celebration itself:

For some reason, Grant's name lends itself to interesting combinations with other words. One of our favorites has been: Grantosaurus. So, it was natural that we would have one for the cake. Props to Grant Godfrey for suggesting the fearsome toothpicks on the tail.

The accessory dinosaur egg was just for Grant. Once he got through the fondant, he decided he is a big fan of cake.

Grandma and Grandpa Hathaway brought homemade ice cream. As you can see, Grant really put a lot of effort into enjoying it.

We had quite a turnout. However, Grant remained the center of attention.

One might argue that the focus of any birthday party is getting presents. This is real, authentic, green paper money. Up until now, the only thing for the bank has been coins. He's in the big leagues now.

Perhaps out of a desire to pay Dad back for previous misdeeds, Grandma and Grandpa Hathaway gave a mix of musical instruments, including a really loud whistle. Grant's reaction to this is, unfortunately, quite excited.

Finally, we have the glamor shot on the morning of the 11th, complete with crown and clean shirt (not for long).

Summertime and the Living is Easy

It's been a full summer so far, and Grant has been in the thick of it.

It all started when Grandma Bracken asked for some targets for the Cornhole game for the Johnson Family Reunion. Dad and Grandpa Hathaway went into the shop to build them. Grant felt it necessary to supervise, but with proper hearing protection. Note the obligatory snack.

Next on the agenda was the "Little Gym". It's sort of a social club for babies, but with athletics on the side. On this trip, Grant went with a few lady friends. There were a lot of pictures though, so here are a couple of the best (lady friends not shown). Grant is now showing his best impression of a walrus.

Also notable, he is a big fan of calisthenics.

The ceiling fan in the living room has fascinated Grant since he was born. He spent a lot of time on the floor looking up at it, since Mom and Dad couldn't think of anything else to do with him. He has now reached the point that he can claim victory over the light.

Victory!

This is Grant with Grandpa Hathaway on his birthday. This is immediately post-nap, so he is definitely more cheerful than normal.

Swimming pools are also fun. He has a habit of not sitting down in the tub while bathing. That habit has carried over to the swimming pool.

Grant loves his Grandpa Hathaway.

Maybe we take too many pictures, I don't know. I took 3 or 4 shots of him in the hallway here, and he just stood there and smiled his "goofy smile" for the camera. I think we've programmed him to pose.

First Trip to Lagoon

The Hathaways, Barbers and Brackens visit Lagoon.

Yes, we know there aren't any Bracken pictures.

They were there. We promise.

This is the first ride. It was kind of an anticlimax.

Note Grant chewing on the lap bar.

Stealing Drewbie's Cheerios, on the other hand, was a lot more interesting.

The problem with that approach, though, is that you have to ask Drewbie's dad to get them out.

Drew was really patient, even when being tortured by Grant, after sharing his snacks.

Grandmas

Piano