"Camping"

Every year my family, on my Granddad's side, has a sort of reunion in the mountains.
I grew up going to the mountains, both camping and for day trips. I have amazing memories of riding motorcycles, swimming in rivers, roasting hot dogs, playing house with my cousin by making this rock a bedroom and that tree a kitchen, hiking, sleeping in tents, and tons of other fun things! I think the reunions started many moons ago when my grandparents generation were younger. The get-togethers have been in Wyoming and Colorado and involve family coming from Idaho, Nebraska, even Alaska! I think one of the biggest we had included 80 people! This year there were 42 of us, but not all at one time. You should have seen the place. Campers, tents, motorcycles and 4-wheelers everywhere. It was a sight to behold! We had two 6 month old babies all the way up to an 85 year old granddad. Grandparents, cousins, siblings, friends and even a fiancé. Jeff, Cade, Olivia and I went up on Friday morning, stayed at my parents house on Friday night, went back on Saturday, then came home Saturday night. OK, OK, we didn’t really camp. Let’s face it, I’m all camped out. Maybe if we had a camper we could swing it. We might check into renting one next year. We had a great time! Cade and Jeff went on several rides, Olivia played in some serious dirt and met lots of family, and we chatted and played to our hearts content. I hope Olivia and Cade will have fond memories of these reunions when they are grown. And now for the OVERLOAD of pictures:
 

a new puppy friend, and a cousin (Kyler and Kerrie)

Kyler-17 days younger than Liv

adventures in the dirt

Kyler loves being on his tummy and can squirm all over the place. He could not, however, teach Olivia.

I love dirt!

I love doggies!

baby eyeliner? this was after we tried to clean off her poor face and eyes. we had to try again.

getting the dirt off the fun way!

playing with the new house Grandma Smalberger got

loving cousin Janice

when my family camps they bring humingbird feeders!

now where was that stream from last time?

now where was that trail we were on?

enjoying a meal

Cade getting ready for the "big" ride

jeff

Uncle Bill, Colin and Aunt Norma

after Greyson's nap he just climbed right onto my lap to play with Olivia

The blocks in her hands were clearly much more appealing than those on the ground ;)

My family also has welcome signs for their camps :)

Granddad, Uncle Brent, Bob and Amy

nap time

Greyson and Great Grandma

I don't care for this cracker, thank you

Gerald and mom

Fixing the 4-wheeler Cade smashed into a rock :(

The babies and the doggies ride!

Look at all of them!