More Camping

Our summer-o-camping just continued through the next 2 weekends as well.  For Father's Day weekend we met up with dad, Andy, and Kenz for a hot weekend in the southern mountains outside Bailey.  I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate these 3 dads than some good old-fashioned camping!

Since camping has become so popular in Colorado I left early Friday morning with the girls and the camper to find a spot.  We arrived to the campground at noon and there were only a few spots left.  I was proud of myself for getting 3 kids and a camper up there, but backing the thing up was a whole different story.  I actually had to ask our neighbor to throw it in reverse and secure our spot.

Saturday morning we woke up and did a little hiking on the Colorado trail.  The girls did a good job despite the heat and disappearing shade.  Apparently if you just keeping loading them up on banana chips they'll keep going.

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 Cousin Love

Later that day Andy, Steve, and I were on a mission to hike to the top of the rock mountain near the campsite.  As we lurked by we noticed it was private property, but that doesn't stop these burly men.  After a few hairy jumps we made it as far as we could and called it good!  Ok, maybe I called it quits because I was a little scared.  Anyway, the views were beautiful.

 The next morning Kenz and Chandler were on a mission to do the same, so the guys took them up.  Thankfully they got just as far and didn't show me up.  What a bunch of troopers though!  Chandler is definitely our rock climber.

 Success!

The next weekend we went north to camp outside Fort Collins on the Poudre River with Mark and Char.  It's one of our favorite spots with the soothing river closeby to make sleeping more enjoyable.

Papa showing Brooklynn how to roast a hot dog

 Magra and the girls

Saturday morning we went on a hike (the same one we did last year) that goes up Mt. McConnell in a 2 or 4 mile loop, depending on your desire.  It's a difficult hike, because it's a burned area with little shade and intense sun.  We made it to the same stopping point as last year, but Chandler was determined, yet again, to get to the top and continue, so Steve took her further.

 Family selfie 

 Low and behold she made it to the top!  The summit sits at over 8,000 feet, so she did a 1,600 ft. climb - not bad for a 5 year-old.  Her athleticism and determination amazes me!

 Who's your daddy?

 We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the river.  With all our melt-off and rain the river was raging, but there were a few wading areas, even a beachy area we could sit, have a cold one, and dip our feet in.  It almost felt like Mexico........almost.

It's been a lot of work camping - fixing the camper, planning, packing, and lots of laundry, but it's been worth every minute to spend this quality time with the kids.  They're having a blast and learning some good life skills (more to come on that later).