Ready. Set. Camp!

Our first camping trip with the boys was awesome. It only took a little over a day to pack our house and move to the beautiful outdoors for a couple of nights. We were privileged to be able to borrow our friends' trailer which was the perfect set up for us! The days were hot, the bugs were few, and the nights were chilly enough to really appreciate a hot and toasty campfire.

We only had one false start before leaving town. When we forgot our ipod adapter so we went back to get it and found a little family of quail on our front doorstep. I guess when the Swans are away the Quail will play. They are sooo cute and tiny!!! Click on the picture to see the chicks up close.


Back to camping trip...We met my parents who went early to scout a good place for us at the ghosttown of Sawtooth City. My dad called with directions Saturday morning and we met them that afternoon. They said after looking through several spots, they picked one in the dark and woke up to a wonderful and surprisingly good spot with firewood a shimmery little creek perfect for throwing rocks and wading. I think this might be a nice little retirement gig for them-- Bob & Kathi's Professional Camp Scouting Co. Most places were really crowded so it was a huge help to not have to drive around and find one.

Sawtooth City is a place I can remember going several times on camping trips while growing up. It was a boomtown for about 10 years in the 1880's. We have pictures of me and my sisters standing in front of this falling cabin from the 80's... it was a little less crumble-tumble then.
Right when we got here a couple on bikes came riding through and offered to take a group picture! Awesome.Our hike through a pretty meadow with treasured company.


My only requirement for camping is S'mores and Scott. Check. Check.


It was really chilly at night, but several layers and hats actually had the boys sleeping soundly through the night very well!

We brought a pack and play but didn't even need it because Joel could stay on one side of the tent trailer in full view of everyone and sleep or play. This made things so easy for us! Here he is in one of his favorite sleeping spots...

Shooting jumps to the top of our to-do list whenever possible. And, since we don't have many opportune trigger-happy (and trigger safe) moments, we still had these marshmallow peeps saved for such an occasion. We all know it's better than eating them.
I like this picture of the peep's pistol piercing, however, rest assured, no toddlers were allowed in
the shooting zone while we played. We all got up close to see our handiwork.



Trevor's main pasttime last weekend was getting filthy dirty. He made dry dirt "dinner" for us all. I'm not sure what that says about my cooking.


We were at the campsite for about 15 minutes before this...
He also threw rocks like a champion and played lots and lots with Grandma and Grandpa.




We spent a relaxing afternoon at Alturas Lake beach. I like it because it's sandy and there's a nice roped off area to swim (if you are REALLY hot) and plenty of shady if you are just a little too warm. People watching included wakeboarders, tubers, paddle-boarders (like this)...all against a beautiful mountain backdrop.



We took a break on the way back to visit the fish hatchery and actually saw a fish jumping up the ladder! So cool. We saw the fish get fed, too. Almost as cool as watching the Wiebers feed their crazy fish.


Every part of this trip was so blessed and we Praise God for our loving family, generous friends, and time together in this beautiful country!