All the Way Back to the 4th

Remember our crazy, wind filled camping trip last fall? We decided to brave it again over the 4th. Marion reserved a couple sites at Ensign Ranch for those that could make it and since we're not much of a traveling family this summer, we made camping part of our 4th. I love going to Ensign, it is so gorgeous and green up there. They have canoeing, slip and sliding, rope swinging, fishing, horse riding, rope swinging and more I'm sure I've forgotten. We took the kids bikes, much to Milo's chagrin, and it turned out to be a really good thing. It was so worth it to lug up the bikes, the kids rode them all day. They went from one thing to the next all day, each day we were there. I didn't take nearly enough photos of the fun either. Good thing we're going back in a couple weeks with my side of the family. Not sure if that makes us people ready for more fun or just plain crazy?! Probably both.

I had a big revelation this go round when it comes to me and camping. It's not the actual camping I loathe, it's the preparation. The getting packed, not forgetting anything essential, the loading of the car that sends me into a fit of tears (among other unflattering characteristics!). This time was no different and as we drove away from the gas station, it took me a bit to pull myself together. I'm so glad I did because it was a great, great weekend.

It stays light here very late in the summer. So the roasting of marshmallows and sitting around the campfire for the kids usually happens before it's gotten dark but they don't care. This was taken at 9pm without flash. And that's about my limit of letting them stay up too, I'm so mean. This go round they were so busy with activities, they ended up asking to go to bed right after this. That's a request I'm happy to grant!

We borrowed this high chair from Shaila and it was a lifesaver to tie Reed down. I love his funny face here. He was so much better than I thought he was going to be. Who's crazy enough to camp with an 18 month old? Us, apparently. He loved being pushed in the stroller by anyone but Mason (3 yr old cousin), was in heaven going down the redneck waterslide (I'll get photos when we go back in a couple weeks), he slept all night and took long naps both days and he was in dirty heaven! He's such a good boy and is at such a fun, fun age.

These guys played so good together. They were under this big tree picking grass and flowers and were only interrupted by me wanting to take a few photos. I love my cousins and I know my kids do too.

Jayni requested a photo with a flower in her hair. This is a rare moment when these guys were clean.

I'm totally kicking myself for not taking a photo of the huge pile of laundry we had once the bags were unpacked. Beach towels for each of us, all of our pillowcases, blankets, all of our shoes, tons of clothes and at least one sleeping bag. 10 loads of filthy, campfire smelling, dirt filled stuff. And it was only 2 days worth! It felt so good to get it all done and to have everyone crash into bed clean!

I'm also kicking myself for not being in a single photo. Seriously, how lame is that? I knew I was doing it too. Hiding behind the lens (and the unemployment weight gain) is so sad. Are my kids really going to care about that or would they rather see me with a smile on my face, knowing I had fun with them? I know the answer and I'm really going to work on it when we go back. It's going to be tough, I hate feeling selfconscience. Not saying they'll be posted, just that they'll be taken.

In other quick news, we no longer have Cast Boy. Yahoo, the cast is off!! More on that later.