call us crazy

Makenna and Luke's first time going down the river.

We rented a kayak and Makenna and Luke each tried their hand with the rapids. With the exception of one terrifying moment, when Makenna and Ben got lodged on rock, and almost flipped, it was a complete and total blast. Makenna lost her flip flops out of the kayak, and had to wear only socks the rest of the camping trip. What kind of mother only packs one pair of shoes?

We had some seriously great moments together, complete with a water fight at the water spiket. Makenna and Luke were both totally soaked and in complete water-logged heaven. It was a great way to cool off their bodies from the 100 degree weather. 

This was one of the best trips we've ever been on...

Jared hangin' in the tent. The only place to keep clean.

Oh my...what will we do with this one in 8 more years?

Jared couldn't get enough of this juice. It was an orange and pineapple mix.  

I just want to bottle this up! I loved this moment with Luke!!

little hoodlums?

Jared rockin' to the ipod. You should see this boy's moves.

He can dance like nobodies business.

Throwing the ball back and forth. and back and forth. back and forth.
Get the idea?

Jared playing Peek...

a boo.

 A picture that's worth a thousand words...looking at Luke's legs
being held securely in place by Dad's.  How, as parents, we try to
protect our kids and keep them safe from harm...just as Ben is doing here.

Oh Luke, you just conquered the world...or maybe just the river for today.
But he knows he did something big today, and he was so proud of that.
Conquering the river today, the world is for tomorrow.  So proud of you buddy!

I loved sharing this experience with our children.  They had
an absolute blast camping, getting filthy, water fighting, and rafting
the river.  It's so fun to watch memories being made.

Makenna's picture taking skills.  So fun to see the world out of
her eyes for a second.  I loved spending so much distraction free time with
our family.  There's nothing quite like camping. 

Nothing says successful river run, like crashing hard in the car afterwards.

Ben relaxing on the kayak.  A rare moment where Jared is being completely still.  

I was making dinner, and used the tent as a way for Jared to get down and play without getting FILTHY! Jared sat and "read" books for 20 minutes. I took this picture through the mesh of the tent.

So darling!

This kids imagination never ceases to amaze me.  Luke took a couple
of lego car frames and strapped them onto his shoes.
He skated around the campsite for as long as he could,
before they slowly came apart and broke.  It was worth it, though,
great idea, great execution, and so fun to watch his imagination go strong.

Oh, man. Those eyes know how to work magic

And Ben wrapping up the evening reading to Luke.

We had an awesome time, and was greatly reminded of how the Lord watches over us and keeps us safe. I am so grateful for the great teaching moments we had on the river and for all the fun we had in strengthening our family by playing together.