the Gorge 2015

Flaming Gorge 1993

Fast forward to 2015, bigger trailers and older kids. We ventured to the same spot again over the July 4th weekend. I can remember still- watermelon staying cold in the stream, dirty kids, campfires and freedom. This trip wasn't much different except it was my own kids and my parents were the grandparents. 

While we aren't campers by nature the lure of a roof and toilet hosted by my parents, wasn't such a bad idea. Mc slept in the tent with the Thomases while Mark, the boys and I stayed in the trailer. The weather was excellent- except for the downpour on the pontoon. Late night campfire movie quoting, lots of treats, playing in the dirt, trips to the lodge, chasing chirping squirrels from the campground at 5 AM,  and being phone free for a few days.

Mc had a blast with Brynlee. They made a secret hideout and hid bones, flowers and bugs there. She loved to explore, go fishing and sit by the fire. It was fun letting her stay up late, having her sit on my lap and telling stories about Grandma MaryAnn's cat Ted and how he became so mean. We made flower crowns, colored, watched movies and played. 

Kingston loved the dirt and was the first to fall in the stream and get his only pair of closed toed shoes wet. He was perfectly content to wear his flip flops the rest of the trip. He loved finding sticks, eating nothing but junk food most days and being able to roam free.  He had a new fishing pole from his birthday and loved to fish! I learned to just put him to bed in his clothes for the next day so he could just get up and head out without making a fuss in the morning.

Enzo was a trooper! We thought (about an hour away from the Gorge) that we had forgotten the Pack N Play and the Shopko (the only store for miles and miles) didn't have one. Mark did remember to put it in the truck and Mom (bless her heart) brought the highchair so we were set. He did well to nap in the trailer and took a snooze on the boat too.

Sticks and dirt.

Shooting the BB gun with daddy.

Head wreaths are so in right now.

Mimi and Enzo

Another favorite of the trip was being able to pee outside.

Like a boss- celebrating your ONE year birthday!

One bonus of being the baby- the only one of us to get a bath the whole trip.

Not so happy about wearing the life vest. Obviously.

Bree earning her keep- 5 fish later and dinner was served!

On the last day, Mc left flowers and a note: "Welcome to Flaming Gorge. Hello campers."

The crew

The crew part 2 with mom- The Thomases are the most photogenic :)