Did you ever hear about our attempt to go camping last summer? It failed. Big time. But when we were invited to try again this year with the T Family, we said yes. It was a success!
On our way to Hunstville, we visited the Dinosaur Park in Ogden. Samuel was in heaven. He ran from dinosaur to dinosaur with Tyson and Tucker and had a blast. We could’ve stayed so much longer if we weren’t anxious to set up camp, but we will for sure visit that awesome place again! Then we drove up the canyon to our camp site in Anderson Cove at Pine View Reservoir. It was beautiful! That evening while Erik stayed at camp with 3 sleeping kids, the rest of us launched the boat and took it for a little ride. Tegan and Samuel got to stay up late with the grown ups roasting marshmallows before we all finally turned in for the night.
The next morning came bright and early, after a loud wind storm that totally had me convinced the boys would wake up screaming and the tents would fold in on us. We played at camp, had breakfast, and all boarded the boat. Sam loved it even more than the night before now that the rest of his cousins were there, too, and he already had his life jacket picked out. Owen hated it. So he and I got dropped off back at shore and headed up for a nap while the others did some more boating. After lunch, it was take two on the boat. With a solid 2 1/2 hour nap behind him, and a sucker in his hand, Owen tolerated the boat. Samuel went for a tube ride with Erik. He said he had a good time, but we couldn’t get him to go again for the rest of the trip. By the evening, everyone was ready for dinner and smores, and a little bit earlier bedtime than the night before.
By now, the playing hard, no naps, and late bedtimes were setting in on our boys. Samuel handled it like a champ, and slept in until almost 9. Owen was having a much harder time and was definitely coming unglued. We decided to go for another boat trip after breakfast. Samuel shivered and grumped the whole time, and Owen fell asleep. The kids were very happy to play at the beach after that. We stuck around for some more time at the camp site and dutch over dinner and dessert. After that, we packed up and said goodbye to the others who were brave enough to stay a couple more days.
Owen was so excited to know that he was going home. Samuel was just tired. But man alive was it an awesome trip! We had so much fun, and were so grateful to Tori for all her preparation that made it a piece of cake for us. We really just had to show up and enjoy ourselves. If this is how camping is going to be, we are up for it again!!
