Rock Creek Camp Out

All Talia wanted for her birthday, (Correction, the thing that we could afford to give her from her extensive list of both needs and wants.) was a weekend in the mountains. Camping in the 'Moose.'

So last Friday evening we rounded up some relations and hit the road. Of course we pulled two trailers, got there in the half dark, nearly got stuck, and had dinner about 11:00pm. That's the way we like it.

DJ and I made chocolate cobbler with raspberries and lots of whipped cream in honor of our Talias birthday. She was in a daze for joy. I had to tell her about 100 times to put her shoes on.

Saturday, we all hopped on the bikes and wheelers for a trail ride. It was the most glorious day for a 'throttle hike.' (DJ would be pleased to have me note that this is the only way he even likes to hike.) The mountains were green and full of wildflowers, the sky was an unreal heavenly blue, little streams followed us down the hills. Perfect breeze, gorgeous sunshine! We saw more butterflies in one afternoon than I believe I have seen in an entire summer. Monarchs, little blues, black and white beauties. You name it, they were out and showing us their sweet wings.

We visited Old Ephriams grave. Talia was full of information about this big bear because Grandpa Norr read her an article in the Herald Journal about him last week. She was pretty siked to look around for his cave. Bears always have caves, right?

I had a ball on the ride. All cares forgotten. (Even though I spent the night before tossing and turning on the hardest mattress I have ever encountered. Oh, my back. That will be upgrade #1 for Moose, the camp trailer. I named him that, because he is huge. And likes the mountains, not parking lots.) Tammy let me ride her Cadillac of a 4-wheeler, my belly appreciated that very much! The girls switched vehicles every time we stopped. Daddy and Grandpa Granges motorcycles were the favorites.

We were seriously grubby when the ride was through. I gave the family a diaper wipe bath. Made sandwiches and snarfed down a bag of Doritoes Nacho Cheesier chips. Then we napped in the sunshine.

There is nothing like a camp fire and smores to end a fantastic day. We had planned on staying only one night. T was heartbroken. The parents relented to another night on the mattress of doom. (Padded this time with every available extra blanket.) Roo was about giddy in her very own bunk.

Sunday was a miracle, we were up, home, bathed, breakfasted, dressed and to church on time. I taught Gospel Doctrine! The Resurrection. My heart was full of love for life, and gratitude that all the good things I most cherish shall not be done away with at death. No, No. Many happy days such as these to come, thanks be to Jesus Christ. How glad I am to know this. How wonderful is life.

Great weekend. Great amounts of smokey laundry. Happy memories.