Camping with Shelley

 This year our annual "Mom and Boys" camping trip with Shelley included Jane in the mix.  She was still a bit of work to have with us, but we all enjoyed the fun energy that she brings with her.  Mark was finishing a summer class, so he wasn't able to join us.  We went to the Spruces campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon. We tried a new spot, number 22 and loved it!  It had plenty of parking for us (neither Shelley or I are great at backing up, and this site had enough parking area that we didn't have to back into it!) 

Since Jane was with us, we didn't go on the bigger hike to Lake Mary, but just went around Silver Lake.  Jane was being a bit of a pill and didn't want her picture taken- so unlike her.  She even got upset because people were looking at her.  Oy vey! 

Here we are at Silver Lake. 

 Shelley and me

 Our group.  Jane is hiding behind Paul. 

 

 Jane finally agreed to have her picture taken, but wouldn't smile with her eyes open. 

 After we ate dinner, we walked down to the river to throw rocks.  We stayed until Jane fell in the mud. 

 My adorable breakfast companions

 I love these kids!

 Seth was not happy that this face wasn't in the silly picture, so here is my little cuttie!

 Jane and I went for a little walk.  My family used to camp in this area a lot when I was growing up, so I have fond memories in this spot.  I showed her our hide-out.  This grove of pine trees is still there but the trees are 20 years older, so I could still fit in the area! 

 Jane stopped in the shade and started telling me a story.  I really couldn't keep up with the storyline, but I did catch on to one part where she said that you have to be careful to not let the bears catch you because the bears will hand you over to the zombies and the zombies will turn you into a bear. Bears are dangerous, uh huh! 

 Shelley took her boys on a longer hike and I took my kids to Hidden Falls.  It is a short walk to a waterfall, so I knew that Jane could handle it.  She was very pleased with herself that she made it across the bridge (mostly) by herself! She was a champ crossing the water on the rocks.  She had to backup a few times, but she did great and didn't get her feet wet until she jumped into the puddle at the bottom of the falls! 

 Seth

 Paul climbed up high and sat here for a while (he's there, just blends in well!) Paul was awesome with the little boys on this trip. He played with them and was a great role model.  He earned his alone time on the mountain!

Seth took this picture of me and Jane.  I was reviewing the picture and dropped my camera in the water.  Augh, I'm so upset! I'm trying to be patient to let it dry out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it survived the water. 

 

This camping trip was the one I have been waiting for.  Camping with the church for Young Women's camp was in a beautiful place but I did not leave that week of camping feeling like my soul was restored- in fact I felt exhausted in almost every way possible after that experience. Camping last week with Daniel was awesome.  I loved the company I was with, but the area wasn't restorative for me.  It felt so good to be in the mountains and soak up the beauty in the area!