Fall Camping

We convinced Grandma and Grandpa to join us for one more mountain campout. It was beautiful, quite warm in the daytime and cool enough at night to enjoy a fire and good sleeping bags. Now that we are spoiled with a trailer we could have turned the heater on too. We didn't need it though and decided we should go again next September. As you can see from the photo, the aspens were golden and we had a few showers of leaves when the breeze picked up. The guys fished on Gooseberry reservoir and Jared caught several fish, letting Paxton reel in a few too. For some reason there weren't many bugs, we didn't notice any mosquitoes at all so maybe the fish were extra hungry.

Since Bennett managed to nap during the fishing, he played in the canoe before we loaded it up. He's a good little camper overall, he became a little grumpy from a tiny cold or maybe his somewhat rough night's sleep. I guess he doesn't know what to think when he wakes up next to Mommy in the camper with the dog at his feet. But it's great to get away and really forget about the usual responsibilities. We live so close to so many gorgeous places to visit.

 This photo shows part of why the area is so pretty.  The evergreens combined with the aspens were everywhere.  We did take a drive down to see the fire and flood devastation in Huntington canyon.  It is eye-opening how those rain storms caused huge rivers of mud and trees.  You can see areas where flash floods tore through deep slabs of earth and many spots off the side of the road now look like a very unfinished construction site.

Roanna and I wondered why a few aspens here and there have a reddish color. On our way to camping we did see some nice red and orange leaves. It's easy to forget fall in the valley is just around the corner unless you go for a drive in the mountains.

The soccer season is officially over for us.  This picture makes Paxton look like a pro, his co-coach set up a photographer so all the boys could get a photo at the soccer party we had. Thanks Abbie! He liked practice, and LOVED the playground nearby.  Games, well, they were a bit unpredictable. Last game was sooo cute when our tiniest player scored a goal. Paxton did get some great stops when he played goalie and he had fun with his teammates.

Paxton has recently accomplished riding his bike without training wheels. He asked to have them taken off a few weeks ago and was definitely afraid at first. Then when Jared ran (uncomfortably) behind him and made him think Jared was holding on, he totally had the hang of it. Soon after he knew he could ride all by himself. He needs some help getting started but that will probably come soon.

We've had some beautiful mornings to go to the park. It is especially nice since school is now in session because there are far fewer kids and I can see where mine are. They love it and I am amazed at how well Bennett manages to do just about everything Paxton does.

Yep, Bennett running after Paxton. What an athlete! He really is getting quick. That worked against me a couple days ago when he locked himself in the garage and me and Paxton out. Luckily I was able to get a key fast enough but by the time I got it, he had done the deadbolt as well and was headed into the kitchen from the garage. Heaven only knows what he would have done there - he loves to help himself in the pantry!

This illustrates what Jared has done with his free time for the last 4 weeks.  It may be hard to tell but that hole is 15 feet across, big enough to install a trampoline and it represents a LOT of dirt removal. Luckily we had a vacant spot in the garden which I hadn't planted but that area is now a large pile of heavy clay soil. Tonight Jared actually finished removing the last bit so we are closer than ever. We may buy a trampoline frame from our neighbor and we already have a corrugated metal surround to retain the dirt. Paxton was even lucky enough to find a buried treasure in the hole.

Our latest amateur family photo. Even this result was so hard to get I had to cheat a bit with photoshop, and not just for my especially white teeth. Bennett didn't want to sit long or look at the camera and we weren't all posed just how I'd have liked. At least the yard looks good : )