We have found that some of the best camping trips are those we plan last minute, plus having friends come along doesn't hurt. While up at camp Jessica started talking about wanting to take our paddleboards out on a mountain lake for the kids to play on for a few days. Ridgeway state park fit the bill, plus there was mountain biking close by, so we adults could fit in our fun too. It was so nice to see the lake pretty full, after such a wet winter. The year before it had looked pitifully dry, and they even had to close the lake, as the algae blooms got nasty and unhealthy.
Jessica and I have been good friends for several years, and I am grateful for their family and the fun times we have had over the years.
She loves plants as much as I do, so we always have a fun time trying to identify different ones we come across while hiking.
We took the kids on a fun hike along the shores of the lake, it was beautiful at sunset, until we had to descend a steep part in the dark.
And of course, the kids had a great time at the campsites, and on the lake. The water was fun to explore and cool off in, as it got hot.
Even Max got in in on the fun.
Back at home the cub scouts group played some base ball with pools.
I am so grateful for the leaders that pulled this off, plus a couple other fun activities, for the boys. Since the church has announced the impending split from scouts, our cub scout leader has been MIA. But a few of the den leaders took it upon themselves to make sure the boys had some fun acitivities to look forward to.
It was a hit!
And early morning bike rides are a must in the summer around here, it gets so hot! So glad thse ladies are willing to get out with me.
A trip to Utah completed the month. The twins were in another musical, this time, Peter Pan. So we took a quick trip to visit to watch and play.
Shows with the Marchant kids are always a must.
And backyard BBQ's with cousins are the best on hot summer days.
And double back bends?!?
And Grandma joined us for a trip to the zoo. She has a pass that lets her bring up to 5 grandkids, so we really made the most of it this time.
I love watching the grand kids with my mom. She has a very special way with them. And they all want to be around her. She makes them feel special, and takes a vested interest in each of them and their unique personalities. They are lucky to have her.
The zoo had some cool exhibit made from trach found in the worlds oceans. The art was amazing, and it reminded me of a place we had visited in Oregon a few years back. So much so that I did some research and discovered it was made at the same place.
One of the coolest things was realizing that my kids actually had helped make this polar bear while we were visiting that same museem in Oregon. What a fin treat to get to see it finished in an unexpected place.
And Maren was a big help with the younger kids this trip. She could actually keep up with Ryan, which is saying a lot.
We took a quick side trip up to Logan to meet Megans new baby, eat ice cream, and play at the park. It was the perfect day. I exchanged Lily for my boys, and I think I got the better end of the deal for the day.
And the highlight was meeting this little lady. Annie was born a few month earlier, so we were so excited to finally meet her and see her sweet smiles!
Before heading back to Colorado we took the kids on a hike. It was only supposed to be a couple miles, but we ended up with some motivated kids who wanted to make it to the top.. So we did!
Maren was handy to give the kids a boost when they got tired.
Man, I forgot how beautiful this lake is. One of my favorites in the cottonwood canyons.
Seriously, it was quite the accomplishment that these kids made it up here. It is a long steep hike. Emily and I were amazed at their determination. At one point she had to turn around to go pick up Everett from school, but then she surprised us by meeting us at the top, after getting cell coverage to call Trevor and ask if he could do the pick up instead. It was so great to have us all make it up!
Summer snowfields make the best slides.
I'll take views like this any day.
Dave was not able to join us for this trip, but he was able to have some fun himself. He took the boy scouts to bear lake for a summer camp. And that smile on his face says it all. He is at home on a boat anywhere. It was a fun camp for the boys and leaders alike, and a successful one as well. This was his last boy scout big event, and while it has been challenging at times to keep the boys in line, the reward has been worth it in the long run. Spencer really liked having his Dad along for the campouts and activities as well.
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