Camping = Fun Family Memories

We kicked off our first camping trip for 2009 by heading 27 miles north towards Veyo to the Baker Reservoir Recreation Area Campground (I know long name). We were joined by our dear friends Chelsi and Trevor Linderman who scoped out the campsite a few days earlier. The first day we were there it was VERY windy. After debating the situation we decided to stick it out and see if it got better as the camp host promised it would. That night we turned in early. The wind didn't allow for a big fire and frankly it was impossible to get warm. I was wondering if the camp host was lying to us because the wind blew ALL night long. Then silence and that is how it stayed the rest of the time.

The days were BEAUTIFUL with a high of between 55-58 and the nights were cold getting below freezing. One word for you if you are shopping for a sleeping bag to keep you warm - Kelty. You may think me crazy but the best part about camping is the cold nights. Okay below freezing isn't ideal but sitting next to a warm fire on a brisk night is just the best!!

Our humble dwellings for the next 3 nights

Brek tucked in nice and warm in his sleeping bag. It sure is hard getting out of bed when you are toasty warm!
Day 1

Even though the first day was windy we did manage to explore a bit and take a few pictures. Yes that is snow on the mountain off in the distance.

Our beautiful Family

The Linderman Family
Our boys. I love how they walk lined up oldest to youngest and the little one just slightly behind.
Day 2

We woke to a very beautiful wind free morning; ate a yummy breakfast of pancakes and bacon then packed up lunch and headed down to the Reservoir for a picnic and some exploring. After eating lunch we decided to continue the trail around the Reservoir not realizing that it ends. Now we are left with a decision: turn around or forge ahead making your own trail. We chose the later and forged ahead, after all it is the adventures that create the memories.

We ran into a few minor barriers along our forged trail but we worked together as a team and got around them. For instance, what do you do when you have a canal to cross? Why the woman of the hour jumps into the frigid water and helps everyone else across.

What do you do when you have a rock face ahead of you? Why you climb it of course!

What do you do when you are faster then your family? You wait at the top and call out good hand and foot holds.
What do you do when you reach the top? You admire the view!
When you return to camp you attempt to do this

But what you really do is this

That night we had a yummy chili dinner prepared by Chelsi, then later on the older two boys had the long awaited Johnson Field Brats Hot Dogs.

We all know you can't go camping without eating s'mores like every night!

Day 3

Again another beautiful day with a good breakfast of french toast, eggs in a cup and sausage. I don't know what it is about food when camping but it sure is GOOD!! And again another hike. Not one filed with adventure like the day before but still fun. Below are the boys heading off on another hike. **Notice the line up order.

Our little man climbing. No matter how big or small the rock may be you can be sure you will find him attempting to climb.
Later that night we had taco's for dinner. The older two boys finished off the Brats Hot Dogs and then we had some fun.

Question: What do you do when you have a 9 year old camping with you? Answer: You paint his face like this and take him Snipe hunting! No matter how many times I look at this picture I end up cracking up.

Our friend Trevor had told Brek all about Snipes so when it got dark the kid couldn't wait to go. He put sour cream and chocolate on his face and a marshmallow in his mouth cause everyone knows that Snipes LOVE sour cream, chocolate and marshmallow. Then we handed him a bag and away he went. Blake eventually got away from the group and started rustling leaves to create the effect. Then while Brek was holding out his bag ready to catch that Snipe dad jumps out and scares him. Yes good times!

Life around camp

When we weren't off forging trails we were at camp playing games. Horse shoes was a favorite among everyone along with card games.

I love the look on Korbin's face here after he notices he has a pretty good hand. Just some random pictures.

Our dear friends Chelsie and Trevor.
Thanks guys for hanging out with us "old farts". We sure do love you guys and enjoy your friendship. Looking forward to more fun trips together!!

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Keep it to yourself or bring to other's attention?

In my life when I have been around a person, whether by ourselves or in a group, and that person has smelled I've never said anything. Now mind you, if this was a recurring problem and I was particularly close to them then I would mention something in private. That said, I would never exclaim that something smells like BO. I just wouldn't. I've always felt it to be rude and inconsiderate.

But I've noticed that there are those (I know one personally) that will do just that. You get in a car and they say, "Something smells like bad BO." They get in your car or go to your home and they will say something smells like (whatever). Okay, I will say that when I have been told by this person that my car smells like sweaty boy I've NEVER disputed it, although I did think it rude. But then, they could have just been making an observation, I mean I did have SIX boys in my van that day. Plus I'll be the first to admit that at times my van doesn't smell pretty and who knows what is hiding in the deep back. But there have been other situations and not just to me and maybe more that I'm not aware of.

I have been around people, this person included, whey they haven't exactly smelled rosey but I've kept that to myself and it's not like it's an everyday occurrence. I've been to peoples homes where it smells like poopy diaper or worse and haven't said anything. I've not made exceptions either, family or foe I've kept quite.

So my question is, do you keep it to yourself or bring it to other's attention? I honestly want to know. Despite my personal feelings about it I would like to know where others stand on this issue. And do you make exceptions for family members? Please share you opinions and reasons.

**I PROMISE I WONT THINK YOU STINK FOR BEING HONEST**

Stadium of Fire Tickets

Glenn Beck is hosting the Stadium of Fire show for the 3rd year in a row. This morning he announced that Today and today only you can go on his website, GlennBeck.com, and order tickets. The tickets will go on sell Friday, March 6th to the general public. Apparently last year they sold out 50,000 tickets in 12 minutes.