{tenting}

We had all been looking forward to a fun family camping trip, then Marcus found out he would be working in South Dakota for about a month...CRAP!! But our summer had to go on and although we were miserable without him and I was sick for the first night and day, it ended up being a great trip!!

My Dad was with us the whole time and we first ventured to Doughnut Falls with the boys and Maizie on my back...it was a huge success, the boys are natural born hikers and Maizie didn't mind the free ride one bit! Forgot the camera on that one, but my Dad was so cute with the kids and ended up carrying their huge sticks for them so they could focus on hiking...

The next day we took it easier and explored Silver lake...

Jacob was more than happy to haul the water on his back...

Stopped to feed some rodents...

Tate was fascinated with the pot guts at our campsite and did not let one run by without announcing it to all of us...the entire trip!

Taking a break with Grandpa, whom Jacob lovingly referred to as Grandma...

me and the kiddos...

Grandma Cathy and Grandma B. spent an afternoon with us...

and then they took Maizie home with them so she could wander at will (and clear all of the dirt and rocks out of her system!)

The boys continued to get dirty and dirtier despite several faucet baths! And let me tell you, they were in heaven!

had to capture this moment...boys in the wilderness

2 of my brothers and their families came up for a night, and I got to do sweet Avery's hair in the morning...can't wait to do Maizie's like this!

We then ventured to the Twin Lakes and passed Silver Lake on the way, where we saw 2 moose that we seem to see every year we are up there!

{the next day we had dinner at Grandma's and chocolate mousse for dessert, the boys thought it was sooooo funny that we were having that moose for dessert!}

{Parker ~ Jacob ~ Avery ~ Tate}

Half way up was a great time...

{saw a moon}

soon realized this is not a trail for kids but we made it to the lakes...so beautiful!!

and then carried a couple of kids back down the mountain...still a great time!!