The girls were really disappointed when our plans for Bear Lake fell through, so we promised them a camping trip. Since we just had the weekend, and because it was late in the season, we looked for a campground close to home that had a low elevation so it wouldn't get too cold at night. So we ended up in the Tucannon campground (about 2 1/2 hrs away) in the northern part of the Umatilla forest. It was beautiful, and we really enjoyed getting out in nature and seeing so many tall pine trees.
Here we are setting up camp. Maddy is screaming because she fell for probably the 10th time. She was so excited she kept running around everywhere. Unfortunately she isn't used to running on uneven ground, so she ended up tripping and falling a lot. Abby is pointing and telling everyone what to do as if she is a camping expert.
Cooking dinner. We warned the kids about attracting animals if they threw food on the ground, so that night when Abby said our family prayer she asked that no bears would come into our camp and that mommy wouldn't see any mice (she knows all about my mouse phobia).
The girls wore themselves out and slept really well, unfortunately Nathan screamed a lot. After a long night we woke up to a cold morning. Here is Maddy drinking hot chocolate trying to warm up.
Even with the hot chocolate we were still cold, so I went in the car with the kids and turned on the heater to help us all warm up. Here is Jared taking a picture of his wimpy wife and kids.
Our campsite was really pretty. The girls and I had fun going on bear hunts (like in the book), dropping pine cones off the bridge and watching them float, throwing rocks in the river, and exploring (like in Dora). We saw deer, skeeter bugs, a snake, and even a skunk. Since Nathan can't walk yet and the roads were all gravel, we were forced to carry him everywhere on our walks. He got frustrated not being able to crawl around, but he still had fun looking at all the new sights.
Happy camping kids.
Maddy's silly smile.
Jared built a huge bonfire for our last night there, and we had fun making SMORES and singing camp songs. We drove back late that night with new found gratitude for our showers, flushing toilets, and the luxury of our own beds. We also have a greater appreciation for our parents who took us camping (which must have been really hard with so many young kids), but which also created a lot of wonderful experiences and memories.
Here we are setting up camp. Maddy is screaming because she fell for probably the 10th time. She was so excited she kept running around everywhere. Unfortunately she isn't used to running on uneven ground, so she ended up tripping and falling a lot. Abby is pointing and telling everyone what to do as if she is a camping expert.
Cooking dinner. We warned the kids about attracting animals if they threw food on the ground, so that night when Abby said our family prayer she asked that no bears would come into our camp and that mommy wouldn't see any mice (she knows all about my mouse phobia).
The girls wore themselves out and slept really well, unfortunately Nathan screamed a lot. After a long night we woke up to a cold morning. Here is Maddy drinking hot chocolate trying to warm up.
Even with the hot chocolate we were still cold, so I went in the car with the kids and turned on the heater to help us all warm up. Here is Jared taking a picture of his wimpy wife and kids.
Our campsite was really pretty. The girls and I had fun going on bear hunts (like in the book), dropping pine cones off the bridge and watching them float, throwing rocks in the river, and exploring (like in Dora). We saw deer, skeeter bugs, a snake, and even a skunk. Since Nathan can't walk yet and the roads were all gravel, we were forced to carry him everywhere on our walks. He got frustrated not being able to crawl around, but he still had fun looking at all the new sights.
Happy camping kids.
Maddy's silly smile.
Jared built a huge bonfire for our last night there, and we had fun making SMORES and singing camp songs. We drove back late that night with new found gratitude for our showers, flushing toilets, and the luxury of our own beds. We also have a greater appreciation for our parents who took us camping (which must have been really hard with so many young kids), but which also created a lot of wonderful experiences and memories.
6 comments:
Wow! You guys are a real family at last all grown up going camping. I love it.
Looks like you guys had great fun! Glad Abby was able to ward off the bears and mice with her faith powers!
wait a second. Is that Jared? I'm shocked he didn't take a razor. What a fun camping trip. Way to go camping with such little ones!
Ruth,
Why would you be so shocked about me not shaving? I'm not at BYU anymore! =)
I really think it is really wonderful how you take every opportunity to really enjoy your family and make these memories.
wow you guys must be pretty busy to not have posted in 6 months. I was thinking about you guys the other day... we need to do a play date... so let me know and we can arrange something, it's been too long and I miss you and your kids!
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