The Great Outdoors.

I wondered when it would happen. When our three little kids would be old enough to take camping without all of them trying to run into the fire or wander into the woods at the same time. Well, it happened this summer, and we’ve loved the experiences we’ve had together. After camping at Bear Lake with my family, my eyes were opened to the possibility. We’ve gone a couple more times since then, and I wish it wasn’t already getting cold so we could go again.

We planned a trip with friends in August. When the day arrived, we noticed the clouds were becoming very grey. It became apparent that we were going to be rained out. We rescheduled our site (for a fee), and had those friends over for an impromptu breakfast dinner. I was pretty bummed because of all the work I had done to get ready. The car was packed! But a warm meal, and good friends made up for it.

Luckily our ward had a campout planned for the following weekend, so I kept everything packed up for the most part. We drove a about an hour into the mountains to Pickle Gulch in beautiful weather and found others setting up. There weren’t that many families, but enough for the kids to have friends to run around with and for us to get to know some people a little better. There is nothing like bonding over a campfire. We set up, were eating our fire roasted sausages, and then we started feeling the rain drops. It soon turned into downpour, and we all retreated to our tents. I wasn’t in the best of moods, but the kids were totally excited. Well, except Alex who had voluntarily climbed into his sleeping bag earlier in the evening. I was in the tent getting Bennett into some warm clothes when I noticed him in his sleeping bag. The poor kid had a little fever. I gave him some meds, and he was out the rest of the night.

Soon the rain let up, and we all went back out to enjoy the fire and friends. Like that last time we went camping, the kids actually asked to be put to bed which was awesome. The kids and I slept great, but I think some people were a little cold. That was fixed right up with a hot breakfast thanks to the Elders Quorum, and it was a beautiful day. And Alex woke up good as new. We slowly took everything down, and drove home feeling happy.

Our next trip was at Chatfield Reservoir with the Taylors. Our postponed trip had finally arrived, and the weather looked perfect. Phew! The kids and I didn’t have plans that day, so we went to set up the tent at noon when we could check in. Every site was full. Must be a popular place to camp even though it isn’t the most picturesque. Also, tie dye has become the kids favorite camping attire. Alex has definitely embraced the Colorado way.

We planned on meeting our friends at Café Rio for dinner since it was on the way. We like keeping things simple with the kiddos.  KC met us there and we enjoyed a Mexican feast.

When we got to our campsite, the kids immediately began to enjoy themselves with their cute friend Tula. Of course I forgot matches of all things (which I had plenty of last time we camped), but luckily our neighbors has a lighter they loaned us, and we were in business. The kids were so happy playing with flashlights, and hanging out in the tent. Soon, as usual, they asked us to tuck them in, and we adults stayed up talking late into the night. What is it about those talks around the campfire? They’re just so great. There was also a lot of junk food consumed. Necessary.(The above pics are from Whitney. Thanks!)

It was a great night, except for a little short wind burst in the middle of it. But the sunrise is what it’s all about. That really never does get old. Oh, I love it. We had a great breakfast of giant, amazing muffins, fresh fruit, and juice. The weather was just perfection. We took down the tent, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed running under the tent as KC was shaking it out. Their giggles were so cute.

Then we headed over to the reservoir. There were a couple. The first one we went to was mostly for boats, and fishing. We hung out there for a while, basking in the sunshine and gorgeous scenery. I realized there that I am a lake person. You know when people as you if you’re a mountain or a beach person? Well there should be a third category, a lake person. I think that is me. It’s just so tranquil there. definitely wouldn't mind breathing that air in for the rest of my life.

Then we headed to the swim beach. We weren’t technically supposed to swim since it was past labor day, but there wasn’t anyone standing guard, so we didn’t stop the kids if they wanted to.  The highlight was a little turtle friend we found. The kids were all anxious to have a turn holding him. I soon let him free far away from us so he wasn’t abused any further. We played and enjoyed ourselves for a good long time until we decided to take our leave. It was such a fun mini-vacation, I really didn’t want it to end. Another successful camping trip.

It’s fall now, and too cold to take little ones camping, but I’m sure next summer will be even more fun with the kids being a little older, and so many new places to explore. I’ll enjoy these memories until then.