We did it! We finally went camping. I have been looking forward to this all summer hoping we would get a few trips in. Growing up we always went camping in the summer at least once. Last year we didn't make it but we did have a new addition to our family. Mike was able to get two days of work off. We were hoping maybe we could leave Wednesday afternoon but things didn't work out. We got things ready and planned on leaving Thursday at 10:00. We left closer to 10:30 which was still okay. As we were almost to the freeway Kaden tells us he forgot his sweatshirt. I asked if anyone packed extras so we wouldn't have to turn around. No such luck. We ended up turning around and grabbing more clothes. It's been really warm but up in the mountains nights are chilly.
Here is Reyen getting to hang out in the bed of the truck while we are packing up. She thought it was great!
I love how we all have our own seat and are safe in the car.
We are ready to go CAMPING! The kids were excited because they got to watch a movie in the car. We were headed up to the Uinta Mountains and it is an 1 1/2 -2 hour drive.
We did not make reservations for a campsite hoping we would find something. Since Mike said we wouldn't have any problems I didn't worry until we got to the 2nd camp ground that wasn't looking too good. Well, we found a spot and immediately saved it as Mike went looking for more. It wasn't the perfect spot but convenient for little ones who needed a bathroom next door. There were not more open sites so we happily settled for this one and it turned out to be a lot of fun. It was away from other campers and the boys had the mountain to explore and boy did they.
Elliot found two butterflies mating. He didn't know they were mating but we explained to him that they were getting married and he loved it. He loved playing with them and taking them everywhere.
The weather was beautiful. It was chilly the first night and we only got a few sprinkles the whole time we were up there. It was so beautiful. I love to see all of God's creations and I love to see it through the eyes of my children.
Our campsite. Since my parents brought me a hammock from Brazil I insisted we take it.
This girl was really happy the first day of camping. I let her borrow my old camera and use one set of batteries. She really liked it. I told her when the batteries were all used up she was done and oh we had a sad girl. She tried to get more but mom was tough.
We bought Reyen her very own camping chair and it worked out great. Why did I wait until number 6 to get one?
Here is Elsie's reaction after using the bathroom. They were not the greatest smelling but nonetheless grateful for them.
Reyen's favorite thing was walking. It took her a little bit to figure out how to climb hills but she loved walking to the bathroom. This was her first time ever wearing tennis shoes. She loved it.
The boys went right to work exploring the mountain. They decided to make their own campsites and forts. There was enough branches for everyone and room for all to play. They got along most of the time and it really made me consider a move to the mountains.
The forts were awesome!
Reyen tended to get in the way and had to be supervised. Something the kids liked and didn't like.
The age difference between these 2 is about 3 1/2 years. It is my biggest gap and I can see a big difference than with all my other kids. Camden thinks he is big. Well, he is. Almost as big as Elliot but with that age gap he thinks he is big enough to care for Reyen. It can be good and bad. Whatever he is doing he always stops to take care of Reyen and make sure she is okay. He also tries to carry her which scares me because I am afraid she is going to loose a limb. I love seeing these two play together and see Camden have patience with her. He is a great big brother.
I'd say exploring was the best part. Reyen wanted to do everything on her own. The boys were always there to help her.
Here is how Reyen drank her milk.
I forgot to take into account what hands would look like with sap. The boys were covered with it the first hour we were there. We did our best to wipe and scrub but it still stuck around. This picture of Camden is when he burnt his fingers touching a hot hot dog stick. He burnt 3 of his fingers. He was just sad he couldn't do everything. By the next day he was doing a lot better and the burns didn't look so bad. I am grateful that was our only injury. I knew we would have something happen. I am so grateful it didn't require medical attention.
Mike and the boys went fishing a lot. Mike bought a fishing license and even his own pole which was a big surprise. He bought some other stuff too but I left them at home. It was all my fault he didn't catch a lot of fish!
I had to get a picture of everyone before we left. While Mike was packing up the trailer the boys took us up the mountain to see a BIG rock.
The boys thought this rock was great. The boys like to be outside and are always in the dirt. But being out in the mountains and exploring was amazing! I wish they could do it every day.
I had to capture these boys before returning to civilization. They looked better than the previous days. But they were sure happy! Well, not about their pictures being taken...
I am so glad we could make it camping. I love it. I am so so happy we took the playpen we borrowed from Becki. I was worried about how Reyen would do. The two big kids slept in the car so it gave us more room in the trailer. Reyen slept like an angel and took great naps. I only wish we would have had room for a stroller. Reyen liked to roam and I guess I'm getting old because I didn't enjoy chasing her. Thank goodness I have great kids who helped out a lot. And a great husband for making all this possible. I really couldn't have done it without him. So grateful he takes the time to make these kinds of things happen. I just love camping!
