Annual River trip

Today the crew left on their annual river trip! The kids have been looking forward to this trip since the end of the last one. They talk about it all year and have made such great memories on the river with their dad and grampa! This year we were a little better prepared! We had Big Red to fit all of the passengers and gear as well as tow the trailer. Everyone helped load up the van early in the morning and then we drove over an hour to the drop off point.

 

 

 This year instead of braving the steep slope on the west side of the river (just on the back side of that overpass), we opted to check out the boat launch prices on the East side of the river at the little camp ground. It was by far the best ten dollars we've ever spent! We didn't have to walk far to bring the gear to the river and there was no crazy hills to twist our ankles!

 

 

The littles were quick to get to work, hauling firewood, food, propane tanks, and gear. I mostly just made sure that Sawyer didn't decide to go swimming in the river. 

This cami-girl of mine is such a go-getter and I love that she is always up for a good adventure! One of these times I might be able to tag along so that she's not the only girl. 

 

 

 

Once we had all of the gear and the canoes on the bank, the fun began. Mr. Stannix and Grampa started fitting in coolers and such like a puzzle, making sure the canoes were balanced the weight evenly distributed. Also making sure that there was fun drinks and junk food on both canoes. I think the food is what the littles look forward to the most. They get spoiled when they go canoeing. While we waited for all of that to go down, each of the kids grabbed a pop. Sawyer happily chugged the last half of Hyrum's can and I probably shouldn't let him have that much sugar, but.... 

 

 

 

 Finally they were all loaded up and ready to go! We gave last hugs, I reminded them to be safe, and I took a group picture. 

 

 

Then I stood on the bank with the two little boys and waved them off into the distance. The drive home was quiet and uneventful until I reached the outskirts of town. Suddenly a massive hail storm blew in and my wipers were going like crazy and I could hardly see! 

 

The little boys and I pulled into Timmies for a dozen donuts (after our long morning away) and I quickly checked the weather radar to see if the storm had hit the river yet. It was close and I was hoping that since they had planned a shorter first day, they has already gotten off the river and set up camp. My Mum and I kept an eye on the weather for most of the evening, praying they would be safe and have fun!