Camping with Boys

I just love this picture.  This tree was right beside our trailer when we went camping a few weeks ago with the Cooks.  Now, just look at what  a great climbing opportunity this tree provides.  You can see that all 5 of these handsome little (and not so little) dudes enjoyed climbing this tree.  Well, guess when this was taken?  Right before we were ready to head out!  Yep, when we were all set to go, the boys decided that WOW, what great fun this tree can be!  So, we decided to capture some of the fun (and fabulous facial expressions) that these boys were having!  I also love how little Kolven looks compared to my ginormica boys!  Don't let that little body fool you though - he is full of personality! 

Floating Down the St Marys

Kayend and Jaren prepping to float down the St Mary's River

Tyler doing the mini ride down the river.  The first time, he just jumped on the tube and started floating - no concern for how/when he would get off.  After a short talk with Dad, he realized that he may need help on his floating adventure.

Tyler - post floating trip.  Tyler was very lucky that his super big bro Kayden waited for him to float down the river, caught him, then brought him to shore (not sure how many times).

Daddio (aka Lindsey) enjoying the cool river water.

Jaren and his dinghy mate having a blast.

Kayden and I (and a Cook family friend) enjoying the ride.

So, when we were camping with Shawn and Pam, we were fortunate enough to be able to float down the river on rafts, dinghies, or whatever we had available.  Shawn and his dad drove a big group of us up to the ranch house to begin our journey.  Lindsey and I were the adults in charge (scary thought) and there were about 6 kids with us.  The water was not very high, which was good and bad.  Good because it made it less scary, but bad because I scraped my feet.  A lot.  My purple toe nails were not so purple after.  In fact, they looked like I had taken a belt sander to them.  Anyway, FUN.  That is was!  It was relaxing and exciting and full of wonder.  Okay, maybe that was a little much.  Anyway, some of the kids were able to go for a second time too.  Not me.  I'm too old for that.
Thanks for making it such a great time Cooks!

A home for Froggy

The frog the Mom found

Hard working boys

Well, it seems that whenever we camp with the Cooks, we are blessed with a location that inhabits small, green, four legged, jumping friends.  Yes, I am talking about frogs.  Last year, when we camped with Cooks, the boys (and Aspen) built a lovely Frog home, complete with shade, rocks, and water.  This year was no different.  As you can see, Carter is hard at work creating the perfect frog home.  On the first day, some of the kids found several frogs in one place - it was quite exciting.  On the second day, they must have decided it was too hot to come out because Carter could not find a frog for his fabulous new frog enclosure.  Mom had to step in and find one for him.  I thought I was so cool finding a frog for Carter until Aspen told me that it was one of the frogs that the kids had found the day before and they had hidden it behind some big rocks (where I found it).