Things were so crazy this spring that I didn't think we would make it Memorial Day camping. Annika wasn't allowed to travel more than two hours from home, my parents were in the process of relocating, we had a dog to consider... Frankly, camping just seemed too complicated.
Fortunately, our wonderful friends Bruce and Brittney Richards reached out to let us know that they had a campsite reserved at Willow Flat Campground in Preston, Idaho. It was a little on the far side of 2 hours (120 miles), but I figured that we could make it back the quickly if there were actually an emergency.
Normally I would sort through the photos and put them in some sort of order, but I'm crazy behind on this blog, so I'm just going to leave things as they are. I'll leave out names of the Richards kids for privacy, but let you know that each of their first names contain the letter "Z." They have six adorable little ones, the oldest of whom is a little younger than Eli.
As you can see, there was a crazy amount of water from the spring melt.
Zion loved his first camping experience out in nature.
Eagle Scout in the making.
Bruce is now teaching at BYU-Idaho and loves it!
Justin and Brianna's family came up to join us one evening. So fun!
Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles came out too.
Those who know Bruce will not be surprised by his impromptu polar plunge. He even talked Jason into joining him for a plunge when we lived in Illinois (Jason's one and only.)
Living the dream.
Okay, so maybe the popcorn wasn't so dreamy, but it made for a good story...
Night skies are the most beautiful part of camping.
Fortunately Zion was better at hiking in the snow than we were at putting on his harness. I still don't know how he got so twisted up.
What a pampered pup!
I could certainly do without the french kisses though!
Fortunately our tent-mahal had plenty of room for people, luggage, and a kennel.
The last time we
camped with the Richards Family was at Shades park in November 2009. Eli was just a couple months old. So much has changed since then! But I think I have a photograph of Brittney standing in front of the same stove.
Our campsite was super cool and felt delightfully secluded because you crossed two footbridges to get there. (Site #47 for the record.)
I was so happy we could camp with Talia before sending her off to college. Miss my big girls!
Bonding with friends and fur.
The Cub River flows right through Willow Flat campground. Annika tried fishing, but no luck. Perhaps next time.
The sad truth is that this girl felt really sick most of the time we were there. Vomiting, diarrhea...I'll spare you the details. Most of the time she stayed behind in her hammock when the group went out to explore.
That would explain why Annie's not in these group pics. Of course, neither is Talia but I assume that's because she's taking the photo. Look closely and you can tell which Richards child does not like dogs.
But this one
loves them.
Looks like Annika is feeling better here.
Also, remember all that hammock time? Don't feel too bad. It had a pretty stunning view.
More explorations.
Campfire smoke in the face is the worst!
But s'mores are the best. Although....I recently saw something online that might be stiff competition. Roast a babybel cheese and put it on a cracker with spicy jam. Can't wait to try it!
Cousins of the raging waters. Still can't figure out how Annika got out there with dry feet. They were definitely soaking wet by the time we rescued her. So much for staying out of rivers. (Heavy sigh. I promise we're trying!)
One morning Talia, Eli, Brittney, and her eldest son all headed out for a ten mile hike to Bloomington Lake.
Zion was not a fan of the raging river. I was terrified that Talia would slip while helping him, but they made it across safely.
We turned around part way up when it became clear that there would be too much snow. Jason tried the next day and made it farther but still had to turn around.
Instead of giving up, we reached our ten miles by hiking along the Cub River trail instead. So beautiful, especially with all the spring flowers. The photos don't capture the blanket of color.
Meanwhile back at camp, dirt digging continued.
At one point we left camp and headed to Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles's for showers and church. The boys were sleepy.
Annie got feeling well enough to go explore the trail too, so Talia went with her, even though she'd hiked that section a dozen times already.
No she did not cross the river, although she certainly wanted to.
Sisters. Speaking of which, how about joining us next Memorial Day, Hermana Wheeler?
It'll be fire.
Our last lazy morning before packing up the cars.
Good thing we had help!
Richards family, thank you SO much for inviting us to your Memorial Day campout and sharing your special spot! I can see why your family loves it so much, Brittney. And we loved seeing all of you! We'll have to do it again.
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