Being Outdoors

So its been a really long time since I've posted. I know you 've been DYING to know what we been up to. Well lets call it 

Summer

VA

CA

SHUN

A party every day.

Sleeping in the morning.

Hanging out and chillin'

Ok so mostly sweating and not much chillin'

I did decide to share some pics! So enjoy!  And I'll try to update what went down the past few months.

We went hiking to Zions. We got up uber early and went to hike. We thought it would be an easy-peasy morning trip...well we didn't get back until late afternoon. It was so beautiful and amazing there.

 

 Avery  cracks me up in this pic with the sunglasses...she reminds me of a celebrity who is trying to disguise herself.

 Later in June, we went on a big ol' road trip. Good times. We spent an evening at the Manti Pageant.

WE camped on the side of a dirt road Nickle -style.

We hit up Ikea on the way.

We stopped and spent a few days in Rexburg visiting Abes Brother & Sister. It was fun to see how much town had changed since back in the day when I went there. There is so much more housing!

We spent a night in Island Park, right outside of Yellowstone. OK I gotta insert a story here.

So Bad and I had this conversation as we were driving. Should we camp on the side of the road somewhere? Should we pay $15 for a campground? Well I won. We paid and stayed at a campground. I just haven't mastered going to the bathroom in the bushes. I don't want to talk about it, I just don't like it and would rather have a toilet.

So we get camp set up. And, let me just say how much easier it is to camp with older children. I remember going when our kids were little and it was so much work! One person had to be constantly watching children which left the other adult to do the set-up, unpacking, cooking, etc. With older kids, they actually help! And, you don't have to keep a super-de-duper eye on them.  So we grill up some burgers for dinner. They boys get a campfire going and I take the girls to go use the bathroom. We all do our thing (and I am glad to have a seat to sit on, even if there is some breeze on my buns). We go to leave and the door won't open. 

At all.

I turn the handle, and the little thing that goes in and out doesn't move. (sorry I don't know the technical name...)

But it doesn't work.

We are stuck.

Chloe starts crying.

I start laughing.

Avery does a handstand against the wall.

So we start yelling "Help we are stuck in the bathroom"

"Help we are stuck in the bathroom"

After just a minute or 2, someone comes by and hears us and checks to see if we are ok. I send her to go get my husband. Chloe is still crying. Avery and I have the giggles.

Abe shows up. The campsite managers come.Nobody can get the door open. They call the "Boss" of the campgrounds. None of their keys work in the door. A crowd gathers outside.

Let me describe our situation: Its bear country. The walls are brick.The door is sturdy and commercial.THe only good thing I can say is that it really didn't stink. If it did stink I would have died. But it really didn't. A credit card doesn't work. So the workers pass in some tools. I take out the door pins. Still doesnt open. Guys are outside pounding the door to knock it down.

2 hours later

Yes I typed that right...2 HOURS Stuck in the outhouse, they let abe use a ladder and pound out the screening that is at the top for ventilation. I pass the girls up and out. And me? How do I get out? Up a ladder and thru that triangle shape vent at the top of the wall. and awkwardly climbing out in front of the 15+ people crowd that had gathered.

The funny thing is I think I would still be ok to be at a campground again. But I would definitely check out the doorknob before I close the door.

Next stop? Yellowstone!

 This pic of jerom looks photoshopped, but its totally not. awesome!

 We went on this hike that was way off the beaten path; we got stuck in a downpour of rain and had to hide under trees for about 20 minutes. It was a crazy afternoon storm. THere were streams of water running crazy down the trail. and we all got soaked. But it was so fun! Maybe next time we should think about taking raincoats? Maybe. IDK.

 As we were packing, chloe packed a large, large bag full of barbies and accessories. I'm glad she did cause we spent alot of time in the car and boy did she put them to good use!

 And whats a trip to Yellowstone without a stop at the ice cream shop? Its a great way to pass the time while waiting for Old Faithful!

More to come soon! Our trip doesn't end there! That was just the first few days!