2011 Family Campout

We headed up to Hobble Creek Canyon for a three day adventure with Greg's side of the family.  It was Callie's first camping trip and while she wasn't easy, we had a lot of fun. 

The first day we were the first ones up besides Grandma.  We picked the prime spot for our massive tent and then went exploring.  The kids found butterflies and swings and a sprinkler to run through.  As the day went on more and more people showed up.  We were in charge of dinner that first night and it was GREAT to get it done and out of the way.  Callie had a rough night, sleeping mostly in my sleeping bag which made me not sleep well either.  Between getting at least 4 new teeth and eating TOO much candy, not to mention she just wasn't too sure about the whole sleeping in a tent thing, the first night was pretty bad.  We had a great Friday despite the lack of sleep.  Greg went golfing with a group of family while the rest of us went to a park and waded in a stream.  We blew bubbles, had a grandma fish pond (huge success with lots of smiles), made necklaces out of pasta and clothes pin animals, went on a GPS scavenger hunt and did lots of walking around and playing in the dirt and trees and water.  The older three kids were given lots of freedom since I was watching Callie all of the time.  Annie meandered around with the other girl cousins her age "deer hunting" as she told us later.  It was A LOT of fun to see all the cousins playing so well together. 

 

 That night we had a campfire with Grandpa as the host.  Each family told a joke, a funny store or did a little skit or song.  It was fun to have almost everyone there (we were just missing Aunt Randi in Spain-lucky girl!) and even Aunt Katie's friend (who I hear is now her fiance) made it up for that one night.  I decided to take Callie down the mountain 15 minutes and sleep at my mother-in-law's house.  It was the right thing to do, even though I missed chatting with everyone.  2 of my other sister-in-laws have little babies so they were there also.  I did get a shower and a peaceful nights sleep, as did Callie, so we were feeling top notch the next morning.

We had a fabulous breakfast and started getting things packed up.  It is amazing how much stuff you have to take camping with 4 kids and 2 adults.  We may have been the first ones there, but we were almost the last to leave.  We spent a couple hours at the Payson Pool before heading home.  The older boys were able to just play with cousins and take care of themselves while Greg and I watched the girls.  There were a couple slides and Nathan convinced me to go on one with him, it had been a long time but it was fun!  On the ride home Callie fell asleep immediately and didn't wake up for 3 hours.  Thank heavens!! 

I love camping and I love family.  I wish it wasn't so much work or I would want to go more often.  I just need to suck it up and go, I think it would be great fun to do it more.  Maybe next year when Callie is a little more manageable.  I am so grateful to Greg's fabulous family who I love like my own.  There were 23 adults and 16 kids to play with and chat with.  We even had two sets of grandparents come up to say hi.  I am so thankful that Greg's family is close and that they all get along so well.