Raina's First Camping Adventure.... and some Overdue Summer Sun!

June in Wyoming began rainy and cool. Scattered snowstorms meant we were still bundling up for walks and outside play... This week, God turned the face of the sun towards us and we have been enjoying warm, sunny days with temperatures up to the 80s. We are thankful for sprinklers to run in and backyard swings, a freezer full of popsicles and the promise of many hours outdoors. :)

We ventured out for a camping trip with our three daughters and brave grandparents last weekend... simple meals, warm clothes, a huge tent, and a bag of marshmallows to roast were all we needed for a day of fun with our family. We fueled ourselves with Hagen Daaz ice cream and drove about an hour up the Gros Ventre river where we set up camp in a perfect meadow. A few scattered showers passed through as we set up tents and prepared our dinner, but then the weather stilled and we enjoyed a quiet campfire and oodles of gooey s'mores. Raina was unflappable, although her shortened naps meant days of adjustment upon our return home. We had a lazy morning (it was Father's Day) and returned home mid-afternoon to welcome Aunt Belle.

My sweet sis stayed with us for a week - blessing the girls with tickles and laughter and attention. We enjoyed an outing to Jackson Lake to throw rocks and wander the shore, and several morning hikes up Cache Creek. Michelle got to see all the people on her "list" and still spend plenty of time with her nieces and boring big sister. :) Last night we celebrated with lobster tail and filet mignon, then sent her back on her way this morning.

Once again, this month, I have found myself forming thoughts and essays in my head that never get written. One of my favorites was "Messmaker, Messmaker, make me a mess!" We've had some doozies, including an exploding garbage bag full of chicken carcass, potato salad, burst tea bags, broken egg shells and splintered glass. :) I have also been thinking, praying and reading a lot as I continue to formulate my personal mission statements and philosophy for mothering. Maybe someday I'll write a more serious post about those things. :) In the meantime, enjoy a few photos of life with the Wachobs.

Riding Daddy

Aunt Belle

Sweet Raina



Sprinklers



Chalk Bodies

Angels



In the air!

Sadie's first roasted marshmallows!

Smile for Grandpa

I want s'more!