Canoeing Adventures

Today I drove to Dry Island Buffalo Jump provincial park and picked up the crew from their canoeing adventures. I got to the parking lot a few minutes early, and eventually braved the steep, winding road down to the boat launch and camping area.

 

I parked the truck and walked down to the boat launch to await their arrival. Within a few minutes I saw their canoes "Ruby" and "Ruddy" coming around the bend on the river. As soon as I waved the kids each shouted, "Mom! MOM!" 

They eventually pulled up to shore and hopped out. I couldn't help but notice that somehow over the last few days they had all grown up just a little. They seemed more mature from their few days on the river and it was such a neat thing to see as a Mom. 

 

We all unloaded the canoes, cooled off in the river, packed the truck up and ate the last morsels of food on the drive home. Joseph was the first to fall asleep shortly after we left the park. 

For the next little while I got to hear tales of their nights camping along the river. They did two nights and three days. I was worried it would be too long for these guys, but they loved every minute. 

I guess when Camilla was canoeing with Grampa he would always say "Paddle hard, sweetheart!" when they had to get somewhere. When Joe took his turn in the front paddling he would shout back at Grampa, "Paddle hard, sweetheart!" That kid cracks me up so much!

Joe is also the one who would frequently say along the rive, "Life is great!" or "This is the life!" 

Another highlight for them was the food! I don't even want to know how many hot dogs they had for dinner one night! Ha! They also enjoyed lots of fun snacks, and having their own cans of pop.

Sleeping by the river was fun too! They also told me a story about how bright the moon was at night, and how they wished they could flick a switch and turn it off. 

They spent quite a bit of time fishing and the kids really enjoyed it! They even managed to catch a few of their own! Camilla told me the story about how Hyrum caught a fish, and then Grampa put down his fishing rod to go help him reel it in, then she picked up the fishing rod, cast it herself, and caught a fish moments later. Then Daddy had to come and help her. They were pretty proud of their "first fish". Joe almost brought in three fish, but they got free before they made it to shore. It was so fun hearing about all of their adventures. I know that they made some lasting memories and are already planning next years canoe trip. Sometimes I wish I could be there for everything that they do, but this time with their Dad and Grampa was special and so much growing was done. Can't wait to see what next year brings!