Road Trip: Camping

I got out of my comfort zone this summer. We went camping.

Last year, we weren't able to have a reunion with Andrew's side of the family. This year, we couldn't plan anything in advance because we weren't sure what Wyatt's health would be like. So, without much notice, Amy suggested that we see if any church campgrounds were available the week that we were together. We were in luck! Camp Lake Aspen, near Heber, had spots available.

Andrew and I had a tent to ourselves.

Lots of the girl cousins shared a big tent.

B-train had a one-man tent to himself.

Barb and Dennis did SO much work, collecting camping gear from friends. Tony's and Amy's families brought their own gear, but not us or Angie's. They had tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tarps... camping is a lot of work. So grateful for all of their pre-camping work for us to have a good week.

Things went smoothly. Except I was FREEZING the first night. Not something I'm used to feeling IN JULY. I used an extra sleeping back for double coverage on the second night and slept great. And Jack got sick on the second night. But, for the most part everything was wonderful.

The lake is awesome!

It's cold when you get in, but felt good after a few minutes.

Isn't it beautiful?

We spent lots of time down there.

So fun for these three juniors to hang out together. 

The camp has canoes that are free to use.

Very cool.

Tony and Cindy brought their stand-up paddle board. 

Cindy and Jane arranged cool poses on it!
(After falling in several times trying...)

Tru loved playing in the dirt on the beach. 

Carly loves ducks and looked super

cute in her new swimsuit and cap. 

We were up in the mountains and it felt great around the campfire

on those chilly nights.

We had a guitar and a couple of ukeleles to jam out.

We also had fun doing crafts.

The girls spent time beading. 

And played lots of games.

Boggle 

Rack-o 

One of Carly's other birthday gifts was this giant duck.

All the kids (and Dave) had fun floating around on it. 

We had fun doing stunts.

Throwing balls and frisbees to people as they jumped off the dock.

  

There was a fun zip line that splashed
right down into the lake.

Whit is not generally a fan of heights.

 I was proud of her for giving it a try!

The teenagers came up with crazy ways to go down the zipline.

Like sitting backwards

And holding on to the seat instead of sitting in it. 

And they had an archery range that was fun to try, too.

And a couple of obstacle course areas.

It was great to spend time with our family,

up close and personal with nature,

  enjoying the beautiful world.

(photo cred: Amy)