Woes, this will be picture overload. But I just couldn't decide what else to cut out. (Believe me, there are more pictures than this even! :) ).
This last weekend our family went backpacking in the Wind Rivers Mountain Range in Wyoming. I have to admit that Ira kinda walked me out the door kicking and screaming because I had no desire to go. I had been backpacking one other time in my life (a year ago). It was a lot of fun, but I remember it being exhausting. I have been so busy this summer, and when it came to doing one more activity - especially a physically challenging one - I was all thumbs down. I decided at the last minute that I would go, but only if Kamden came too, because I didn't want to deal with the extra time it would take to get him to and from his babysitter. SO...we all piled in, and headed to Wyoming. We stayed in a campground the first night, so we could just get up and start hiking in the morning. By the time we got there late, and it was FrEeZiNg...I just knew that I had made the wrong choice. I told Ira that I was taking the boys and going home in the morning. He and the other two could catch rides home with our extended family who was meeting us up there.
Well, sleep does wonders to a tired mommy. By morning, I was ready to give it a go. And I am SOOOO glad that I did. I could have missed out on a spectacular, and even restful (believe it or not) experience.
I was so impressed with our little guys. Ira was sure that Kam would need to be carried part of the way. So he brought a carrier. The picture below is the only time he had to use it, and that was only for a couple of minutes. Two other times, on the way back down, Ira carried him on his shoulders for just a couple of minutes. Other then that - he did the whole 18 miles (?) within 3 days by himself. Jarin was also very impressive. He carried a backpack, and he would get so tired. But instead of letting one of us carry it for him so he could rest - he refused the help and said that he wanted to be strong and do it himself. He was a trooper, and I'm so proud of all of our kids.
When we finally arrived at the lake that we were camping at, it was a very welcome sight. And it felt so good to soak our tired and achy feet.
The day after our hike in, we went on another hike that was maybe another 6 miles. It was up further into the mountains, and we hiked by 7 lakes. It was absolutely breathtaking as every corner we'd come around, there would be a new lake or a new mountain peak.
All of the kids who were with us - my kids and some nieces and nephews.
My cutest ever niece - Tiana.
My cutest ever other niece, Myah with my cutest ever daughter, Emilie. OK - I think all the kids in our family are just the cutest ever. And I'm not biased at all! :)
Jarin looked so dang cute with his bandana and tie-died shirt.
Our whole group at one of the lakes.
Tiana and her mom Yuri
My brother-in-law Derrick with Desmond.
Emilie climbing the rocks.
My little sis - Kelli and her husband Derrick
Me with my granola boy. I guess we both look a bit granola-y.
Zac & Brayden
Brayden & Tiana
Emilie
Travis, Reece & Rylee
Brayden
Wading at Deep Lake. The cliffs were so amazing. Every thing I would see, I would think to myself, "I almost missed this to stay home and clean and sleep". I'm so grateful that I went!
Tiana getting her hair wet without getting her clothes wet. I guess that's one way to do it. But not for me, I'd fall right on my head!
Like father like son! These two found rocks for pillows and took a nap.
Jarin and Myah on the trail
Yuri and me
I took this picture because Jarin saw this plant and said, "Jesus sure is creative for all the things he made." Yep Jarin, I couldn't agree more. How could anyone see this beautiful world, and still question if there is a God?
YAY! Dinner! It was a fun treat to get fish, especially since we had left part of our food sitting in the truck 6 miles away. Of course, food is something I can't get myself to pack light on. It was a good thing this time because we still had enough.
I have learned a lot backpacking. Like how important every single ounce is from your clothes to your sleeping bags to the food you pack. I've learned about the nifty little backpacking stoves that are just tiny, but we use to cook all our meals - like Yuri and Tiana are doing below.
I also learned that water filters are a fabulous tool to own. We could filter water out of any stream or lake.
These are the three youngest backpackers. There were seasoned backpackers that we would pass along the way, who were so surprised and impressed to see such young kids.
Last day - the Gurneys are heading down
Reece, Travis & Rylee
The rest of us hung out for a bit longer, and came across this waterfall that they dunked themselves in. "They" meaning most everyone but we moms. Those crazy kids!
Jarin meditating on a rock above the water fall.
Derrick getting a massage in the waterfall
Braydens turn
The moms, who were the only ones there with any sense! ha ha
Tiana
The waterfall crew
Swaner Family
Moser Family
Crawford Family
Goodbye Big Sandy Lake. Thank you for sharing your beauty with us. We'll be back again....someday.
