Saturday, June 25, 2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Summer Camping

Jared and I enjoy camping.  We have always done so in the fall.  Until now.
We wanting to do spring camping, but the weekends just kept slipping by, so it was June before we knew it.  We loaded the 4-Runner and headed north to Dick's Creek for some real, authentic, no-bathrooms camping.
It was hot, but the shade and mountain water kept us cool.  There were bugs, but not so many that it was unbearable. (We had a major battle with a horsefly that Jared won.  That thing would not stop until he or one of us was dead.)  We were dirty, but only for a few days.  Overall, it was a great experience.


We started off setting up camp and getting right in that water.


I was an expert hot dog cooker (and Jared was an amazing fire maker).


Getting the girls to sleep was quite the experience.  Lera didn't know what to do with herself without the walls of her crib to keep her in.  She wandered from person to person, sitting on us, rolling over us, hugging and kissing us.  She eventually gave it up and slept great.  It was perfect sleeping weather - probably in the high 60s at night.


Did I mention the girls got dirty?  I knew better; I packed grungey clothes for the occasion.


One of our little hikes.


The beautiful waterfall and swimmin' hole.
Later in the day we came back to this area and it was pretty crowded.  Jared joked that everyone over the age of 12 had a tattoo.  It was pretty funny.


To the right of the picture you'll see the only potty we had.  Of course, only Chess had the pleasure of sitting on a potty while we were there.


How about a little game of climb in and out, in and out, in and out?  Hey, whatever keeps you entertained.


Our home for the weekend.

Everyone did pretty great "roughing it."  Something about camping makes every situation very extreme with kids. When the girls were exhausted or hurt or unhappy, you knew it!  The crying reached its loudest I think I've ever heard at some points.  But when they were having a great time, oh boy, it was fun for everyone.  The laughter and joy of splashing in the river, playing with sticks and rocks, following little bugs around, and experiencing new things was priceless.
Plus, not freezing at night like we usually do in the fall was a plus, too.  I think we may have more summer camping in our future.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Monday, June 13, 2011

Getting Sprayed

We have been having so much fun in the evenings with the water hose.  The girls just run and run and slide and spray (mostly Chess - she's dangerous when she gets a hold of that hose).  I love these memories we are making.


I know it's blurry, but I love the looks on their faces.


Run!


They're laughing because they're out of reach, for the moment.


Chess is waving her finger at Daddy saying, "Don't spray me right now!"


Taking a quick break.


Nothing beats a wet swinging session.

I'm looking forward to many more summer evenings outside with the hose.

Birthday Stuff (for the 30-year-old)

I had such a fun and drawn-out birthday (just the way I like it).  I truly recommend going to the "free birthday stuff" link on the left side of my blog.  I love getting emails for all kinds of free things during the month of May.  We do not eat out much, but thanks to the free birthday goodies, I get lots of treats this time of year.


Eating at Red Robin for my free burger.


Sharing my free Rita's Italian Ice with my girls.


The wonderful people I got to enjoy my birthday dinner with at Fish Tales (not free, but used a restaurant.com coupon).




Yes, I know I'm making a goofy face, but I'm really excited about my crab legs!


Chess even got to play in the sand after we ate.


And we got to look at a lot of beautiful boats.


I also had a wonderful birthday party with my family.

I am so blessed with the amazing family I have.  Thanks for making it another special birthday!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Pigtails

I can put Lera's hair in little pigtails now!



Monday, June 6, 2011

Lera Reading Scriptures


Every night when we read scriptures with the girls, they each have to have a turn reading, too.  I got Lera's "reading" on video.  And, of course, Chess is doing her thing in the background.  Two busy and cute girls.  Life is never boring!