Family Camp Out in the WILD

This was our family's first big camp out since Trevor was a baby. Yes it's been that long. I can explain. We've done little overnighters with our ward family back in Carson but never longer then overnight and never all by ourselves. So this was big doings. With our middles being so close in age a long family camp out, on our own, was just past my level of sanity. The trenches were deep back in those days, but we have survived them and are now able to take longer adventures as a family and spend more time in the outdoors now that they are getting older. I love this new season in our lives. We had a great time camping and enjoyed lots of family quality time, which was long overdue. We camped about 2 hours away at Meadow Lake campsite. It was more up north in Idaho so we got to see the desert side of Idaho which we've never seen. It was a long and hot drive there and back but worth the effort in going. Its a pretty little lake tucked up high in the Sawtooth Mountain Range. We had to pass through an old ghost town to reach the dirt road and the Lake was hidden deep below a giant cliff mountain. The lake was small and stocked with a lot of fish, perfect for kids. Getting there was a pretty steep climb and without knowing any better it was even harder getting down. We had never been there before so we had no idea what the roads were like. My brakes did not want to cooperate on the way back down so with a mighty prayer and a sincere plead for help in that prayer, we received a miracle. A kind stranger came up behind us on the road leaving the same campsite we left. Instead if waving him past, I felt a strong impression to explain to him why I was holding up traffic. When I explained that my brakes were giving way he jumped out of the truck and gave me a big hug and promised me everything would be okay. Tears ran down my face in panic. Perry was up ahead in the Jeep pulling our trailer. He then pulled out a cable and hooked my back bumper to his front bumper and tugged me,his Chevy truck and his giant camping trailer down the entire hill all with his own brakes and transmission. I was required to stay calm, steer the car, never use my brakes and have faith. It was the greatest test of faith Ive endured in a long time. Steering our van down the hill with my scared kids in their seat, passing by several cliffs and ridges all while trusting a complete stranger to get my safely down the hill, was no easy task. The power of prayer is real. We were very grateful to have made it home safe and sound. Okay now onto camping.....The two older boys Tyler and Trevor both caught the fever for fishing. Its now their new favorite hobby. They would go to the lake together by themselves and fish alone. They both know how to cast and reel in their own fish. We camped Friday through Sunday. Sunday evening we had a yummy dinner with all their fish that they had caught. It was a proud moment. They made lots of new friends in the campsite and loved riding their bikes all around together. Ryan did fantastic out in the wild. He was a bit cold at night with the temps getting down into the 30's but by the end of our stay we had finally found the perfect solution for a good nights sleep, just a little to late. Now we are well educated for our next camping trip. He managed to stay potty trained throughout the whole time and made only a couple mistakes. We were so proud of him. He and Spencer were two peas in a pod. Spencer enjoyed playing in the dirt back at camp with Mommy and Ryan more then fishing. His time will come. Spencer was such a big helper to his younger brother. As much as they love playing together to two of them can be quit the pair. At times I am convinced that they might just be the death of me. Its a good thing both of them are irresistibly cute because thats their only saving grace at times. They both have a love and passion for freedom and for life. They are both very free spirited boys with a wild imagination. After putting them to bed early, the older boys Tyler and Trevor would stay up late with Mommy and Daddy. We would play card games and sit by the fire, laugh and tell stories. Perry and I enjoyed this special time with our older boys. Together as a family we grew closer together. We learned how to work and play better together. We learned more about team work as we came together and helped clean dishes and clean camp each night. Tyler was always ready and willing to wash, rinse and put away the dishes and the other boys were very helpful with collecting and gathering fire wood. We spent many fun hours riding around on the 4 wheeler and through the backwoods. There's a powerful feeling you get from leaving the world behind and spending a few days together in the wild. Upon returning home we have continued to find more time for each other and be more helpful. Sunday came quick and it was sad to say goodbye, but it was time. I think the boys would have loved to stay a couple days longer for future note. It was a fun filled weekend that we will never forget. Its just what we needed.

On our way home we took a last minute stop at Birch Creek for a picnic lunch. Birch creek is known for the one of the best spots for fishing in Idaho. The boys just had to check it out for themselves. I know the boys will hate me for posting a picture of them in their undies, in our Family Year Book, but thats the way it works when all their clothes are packed tight for the ride home. They're boys, who cares. Its a little creek side fun in undies. Being spontaneous is what counts the most, right?

I think these boys enjoy the mud as much as their mother does. Getting them cleaned up for the ride home was a lot harder then I had accpected. Its all good, a little grass covered toes wont hurt anybody.