Happy Campers

I am proud to report, that we had a wonderful, rain-free, fire-filled, sugar-loaded, dirt covered, care-free and successful camping trip this weekend. It was so wonderful to get out into the mountains and leave the stresses behind. Fresh air does wonders for the soul. It was very relaxing and very healing. We had a great time and all went well. It even seemed to me like the getting ready, setting up, taking down, and unpacking wasn't bad at all. We have a good system down, and everything went very quickly and smoothly.
Mike and Tyler ("the good neighbors") came with us and added to the fun. We were so sad that Mel didn't make it this time, but I guess that means we will just have to go again. ;)
We got home in time to unpack, relax and go out to dinner, before heading out to watch the fireworks at the Air Force Base. Instead of going right up to the base, as as planned, we found a great parking spot and watched from the car as we listened to the patriotic songs that went with the fireworks on the radio.
We had a great 4th of July weekend and it was so nice to have some fun and let the weight on our shoulders be lifted even more. Of course, it was in the back of my mind, that it was also the one month mark since everything happened, but I didn't let it get me down. Instead I focused on how far we have come. I think we all feel a little more rejuvinated and ready to hit up another week and a new month.
Here are some pictures from the trip. There are a lot of them, but hey, I don't think I have posted any pictures in over a month, so I guess I have a lot to make up for.


roasting hot dogs


This is about as clean as Sam was during the trip.


Best buddies, Mary and Tyler


Ben and Mike...and a little someone who snuck into the picture at the last second.


Mary and I. Mary is ALWAYS bringing my flowers and I love it. There is a pile of flowers in my hand that Mary gave me during our little walk.


Ben with his new mountain bike. He did some tricks for us.


Ben and Sam. Sam looked like a little white dough ball on Ben's shoulders, it was pretty cute.


Me and Sam walking around looking for rocks to Sam to climb on.


Ben wraped a hot rock from the fire,in a shirt, and gave it to me to put in my sleeping bag. I was SSSOOOOO warm and cozy with it. It was awesome! I have never been that warm while sleeping in a tent before. I love my rock...and my husband.


Banana Boats...yummy.


Sam climbed up this rock all by himself....I LOVE this picture.


Family picture...(with Tyler) Yes, Sam is picking his nose. That is new hobby lately. At least he doesn't eat them, he gives them to us.


Mary and Tyler headed out on a "bear hunt."


Sam's chair. We didn't even mean to make this little chair, but it worked perfectly and was just his size.


Ben getting the fire started while the crowd anxiously awaits.


Ben doing some bike tricks....he is pretty good!


Here is some proof of how many times Tyler decided to go swimming, or just slipped and fell in the water. He is total water bug!


Mike making a little water canal for the kiddos. We loved our little stream.