A camping adventure!

Camping is one of the best ways I know to relax, get out of town, and enjoy family and friends! There's something about the mountain air, water, campfires! We had a great weekend with our friend Carla. We played, caught bugs, played in the river, ate smore's and took a monster hike! Well, any hike is a monstrous one when you haven't done it in awhile! :) We went to Beverly campground in the Teanaway and hiked on the Iron peak trail. Leah and Leif did so well - 3 miles up (and I do mean UP!), and 3 miles back with something like a 2800 elevation gain. Brian was a trooper, wearing the Kelty pack with 25 pound Leif in it the whole way... while Leah kept a bright and energetic attitude despite the challenge. I was very pround of my little ones, and will remember the day always. When we got to the top, the view was breath-taking. One of those moments where I don't understand how people can't see God in all of it. It was beautiful. Mt. Raineer to one side, and Mt. Stuart to the other. I know that there are many more hikes in our near future. Great idea, Carla! :) (and my sore legs only lasted a few days!) Here are some pics from our camping adventure!

This is pretty much a picture of Leif's favorite things- trucks, diggers, and dirt... lots and lots of dirt!




I'm pretty sure that the peak in the background is where we ended up! :)







I love this picture... it's Leah hiking the last few steps of the trail. She really didn't know what to expect. When she got to the top, her face lit up and she shouted "WOW!!!"

The geologist teaching the entomologist :)

The wildflowers were spectacular!

By the end, he was just tuckered out! ...Leif, too! :)