First Backpacking Trip

This past weekend Luke went on his first backpacking trip!  He had a great time, and we are so proud of how great he did.  Friday afterschool he and Jer headed up Logan Canyon and hiked up to White Pine Lake for an overnighter.  It's about a 4-mile hike each way.  Jer said he complained a little but not a lot!  He was so amazed at all of our backpacking stuff that he got to see and use for the first time.  We've done quite a bit of car camping and hiking with the kids but this was the first time he got to see the little stove and water purifier in action.  He is a gadget guy like his dad, so he was totally impressed.

They picked a perfect, warm night and Luke was also impressed with Jer's sweet cooking skills--not something he sees around here a lot.

On the way out Luke found an old, broken dog leash which provided a lot of entertainment.  He used it to get bad guys in the bushes and trip Jer among other things.  He's also no dummy and at some point hooked it on Jer's backpack for a little extra pull!

The rest of the weekend was great too.  We all met up at the Liechty's cabin at Bear Lake on Saturday morning and then headed to the beach for the day.  The drive up was so pretty.  We had the kids at Tony's Grove a few weeks ago and only a few trees had changed but now it is absolutely beautiful.  I love fall!  Even though it was September the water was tons warmer than when we were there in July (at least warm for Bear Lake).  The kids were fully submerging, and we had a great day topped off with way too much food at La Beau's.

Luke and Caitlyn warming up after a dip.

Jer and Steve in their cute swim shirts.

This guy needs a post of his own soon.  Let's just say he has left the angelic baby stage and is becoming quite opinionated.  He's a cutie though. 

The whole gang.  We got the van stuck in the sand and the easy-up blew away and took out Caitlyn but other than that it was just a lazy, almost summer day.  Please stay fall...I am in no way ready for winter!

P.S.  I didn't think Blogger could do worse than the old way to upload pictures, but they managed.  The new editor is terrible.  Only click that preview button if you have all day.  I might have been muttering a few choice words while trying to post this.  Frustrating!