Rain Rain Go Away!

Two weekends ago Bill and Rob made plans for us to go camping at Flaming Gorge over Memorial Weekend. I was really excited because I have been wanting to go camping places I've never been before. Bill and I drove up there for the day a hundred years ago when we were dating, but I haven't been back since. It was a long drive up there with minor car problems. Fortunately for us, we had just left the gas station when our transmission light came on. We turned around and filled it up with fluid and that was all it needed because we didn't have any more problems after that!
We found a good camp site at Deer Run and the weather was perfect! We were hoping it would stay like that the rest of the weekend. After setting up camp we headed off to fish. Tristan drove us all crazy by following us around saying, "I wanna go bish!" We probably heard that a thousand times before we were actually able to go! (I think Bill secretly brain-washed him into repeating things over and over until I cave.) We found a nice area to go fishing with lots of huge fish, unfortunately none of them were hungry. We didn't get one bite! I think Tristan was pretty disappointed when he found out there's nothing more to "bishing" than casting a line and sitting there and waiting. This is why magazines were invented. That's the only way women will agree to go! Saturday the guys got up early to go fishing on the river and Emily, the kids and I hung out at camp. They got back relatively early. Bill, the kids, and I decided to go on a drive and check out the scenery, hoping the kids would fall asleep for a while. It was raining pretty good so I couldn't take too many pictures, but it was still a pretty drive. And we did get the kids to sleep for a while!
It didn't stop raining almost the whole rest of the time we were there!

Saturday night Bill and Rob went back out on the river and we drove around taking pictures while the rain had cleared for a few minutes. When we got back to camp we tried to make a fire, but the wood was too damp. When they got back from fishing Rob went and bought some wood from the camp ranger so we were able to have our blazing fire and s'mores we were all craving. To me this is one of the best times during a camping trip!

It rained the whole rest of the night and into the morning. Bill and I contemplated staying another night, but the weather (and Tristan) had decided for us! We were done! We packed up all of our wet belongings and headed home.

It was good to be home! Both of our parents took turns watching Duke for the weekend since dogs are not allowed in the campgrounds. We were excited to see him! It was a sad moment as Duke stood there looking at us with his puppy dog eyes watching us drive away. I got a little misty-eyed and Bill told me to toughen up. Even though it was nice not having to deal with a dog on a camping trip, we missed him!

Moral of the story? Watch the weather before you plan a camping trip!! It may save some time and sanity!

Wheeler Farm/Hoagle Zoo

We are in the final stretch of Stella's last month as a pre-schooler. This is her last week with Miss Amy then she starts Kindergarten in August. Last week I joined Stella's class for their field trip to Wheeler Farm. I was glad I had the chance to join them and that Stella was able to go this year! Last year she had to miss it due to sickness. The weather was perfect! We got to see the baby twin cow's and Tristan was excited about the ducks and turkeys. I think he's starting to take after his dad a bit! Stella loved the horses of course and they both were thrilled about the hay ride! After our little tour around the farm we had a picnic before heading home. It was such a beautiful day we had to take advantage of it!

Change of Plans

It's finally that time of year again. Camping time! I love summer for one reason only, I love to be in the mountains. It is a nice change of scenery, plus it cools me down. Well, for several months now my family and I have been planning a trip to Capitol Reef. We planned to go down Mother's Day weekend. Bill and I wanted to get down there a little sooner so we could wake up and be there already, also to make sure we had enough camp spots for everyone else who would be joining us. We left after Bill got off work on Thursday. After yet another trip to Walmart (I left Tristan's blankie there and that would cause serious consequences if we didn't pick it up!) we were off for our wonderful, relaxing weekend we had been planning! NOT.

The drive down there was fine. The kids were wonderful and stayed happy the whole time. Tristan was obsessed with seeing deer (definitely taking after Bill) and I heard a 20 minute story from Stella about a cow that was put in time out for not cleaning her room. She has quite the imagination! Anyway, we got to Capitol Reef at 9:40 p.m. only to see the sign saying "Campground Full" where we were suppose to stay. They don't take reservations so it is first come first serve. We thought we were doing good by getting there Thursday night! Apparently not. The little old man who worked there told us to "Go 5mph out of the campground, because THEY'RE FULL, and head out to Tory about 15 miles out and you can camp anywhere off the side of the road." Whatever. Like we can find a camping spot for us and our whole family off the side of the road....in the dark. Plus we left our porto-potty at home.

We decided to find somewhere we could use a phone to call Shaun. We found a hotel still open, which is a miracle that anyone down there is open past 8:00, and Bill got a hold of Shaun. He told Shaun he would call him back in 10 minutes so that Shaun could call my parents and see what they wanted to do. Bill came out to let me know what was going on and just as he did so they hotel clerk locked up for the night. Dang it! Now we had no way of getting a hold of anyone! That's right people, we do not have a cell phone. Of all times to not have one, now is not the time! We decided to just head over to Shaun's for the night and figure stuff out in the morning.

To make a long story short, in total it took us 5 1/2 hours to get to Richfield. We set up our trailer in their yard and the rest of my family came up the next day. Shaun and Mistee graciously extended the offer to let us set up camp there on their property and in their house for the next few days. My grandparents decided to stay at the KOA in Richfield so they could be with us. Friday was a lot of lazying around. We broke out the camp chairs and sat around the front yard (yes, we are white trash and we like it that way) watching the kids play while we all got fried! Saturday we did make it down to Capitol Reef for the day. It was so nice to be down there! I haven't been there for 5 years and that is my favorite place to camp! We use to camp either there or Moab every year when I was growing up, so it brings back many wonderful memories for me.

Half of us -including Bill - went on a 5 mile hike, and the other half - myself included - went on the 2 mile hike. Emily said I think we had the tougher hike because we had all of the kids, and I have to agree! I had to carry Tristan half the way there and the whole way back (without a pack mind you)! My arms about fell off. We had a picnic at the park and afterwards my dad and I took a little hike up to the cheese holes. It was perfect weather and we all had a great time! Afterwards we headed back to Shaun's and had dinner, played games, ate some more, and went to bed.

The next day was Mother's Day. My mom was so worried that we would actually miss getting the little flower or chocolate or whatever is handed out at church that day. Ummm, no. I was glad I got to spend the morning with the wonderful women in my family and wish them all a Happy Mother's Day. My mother has been an amazing example to me of strength, love and joy. I love my mom so much and hope she knows just how wonderful she truly is! She is my teacher, my confidant, my protector, and my friend.

We left Shaun and Mistee's around 12:30. But not before we celebrated Shaun and Makayla's birthdays. Makayla is going to be 11 this year, which I cannot believe. She is such a lovely girl and is such a good example to all of us! She just amazes me with her maturity and loving demeanor. Shaun, well, lets just say he's well into his thirties and is still working on that maturity and loving demeanor. Kidding! I love Shaun, he's a great brother. We finished off our day with the Duffin's. We went to Ron and Becky's that evening. Unfortunately we weren't able to stay too long since we were all exhausted from our "camping trip", but I'm glad we could be with Becky for a little while on Mother's Day. She is a great mother and I am so fortunate to have her as a mother-in-law! I have so many amazing women in my life that I look up to! Happy Mother's Day especially to Dellany and Ashley. Thank you for allowing me to be a mother to these two little angels. I love you both!

All in all things didn't go quite as planned, but all that matters is that we had fun together as a family.

Aloha!

Stella turns 5 this year on the 5th day of the 5th month. I hear this is called your "golden birthday". However, since it is Stella and it is 5/5/5 we have upgraded it from golden to platinum. Plus I think the color is prettier! So, after much planning, shopping, and stressing, Stella had her very first friends party! The theme of her party was a LUAU. I was hoping to find something gender neutral and thought this sounded so fun! I didn't realize how much energy went into planning a little kids birthday party! But, I think when its your kid you want it to be such an amazing day it's hard not to go all out.

All together we had 12 kids. Luckily everyone we invited was able to come! We bowled with a coconut, pinned the beak on the toucan, and of course what is a luau without the limbo! Stella was so excited with each present that she opened. Later when I asked her what the best part of her party was, not to my surprise she said the presents.

After the games were done and presents opened we had cupcakes, ice cream and fruit kabobs. We had a few extra minutes so we continued with the coconut bowling until it finally cracked open. I know Stella had a blast and I hope everyone else did. I had so much fun planning it, but I have to admit I'm glad it's over.

Sunday we had Dellany, Tremayne, Barbara and my family over for cake and ice cream. Once again Stella was spoiled. She got so much cute stuff! Dellany brought a cake in the shape of a diamond for her platinum birthday. It was pretty awesome! We always have a great time getting together with the Carroll's.

And to complete the celebration of Stella's 5 years on this earth we had a party with the Duffin's on Monday. We had cake and ice cream for the third day in a row (I'm not complaining!). I think between the three parties I need a bigger house to store all of her toys and clothes! She's so cute and sweet it's easy to want to spoil her! I know I can't help myself! Thanks to everyone who helped me out and to everyone who came out to spend time with Stella. It means a lot to me! Happy Birthday my little princess!!! I can't believe you are 5! I have loved watching you grow.