Denos Family Camp Out!

We got back last night from Kory's family camp out. It was so much fun! We left Thursday night and got up to the camp site (Box Elder Camp Grounds) around 9:00 pm. We quickly set up and then spent some time with those who were there around the campfire. Not a lot of people come up Thursday night, but we had an even smaller turn out this year than usual. It was really nice to be able to visit with Mike and Shannon, and Tiffany and Luke. The kids had a great time and were so happy to have friends there. That night we got to sleep in our new pop-up trailer for the first time. The kids were so excited! They have been asking when they get to sleep in it since we got it about a month ago.

Getting ready for bed. Holland wanted to wear Skylar's Pajamas.

Putting the girls to bed.

Friday we woke up to rain. It was windy and rainy all night Thursday and then a little cold and rainy Friday morning. So, we mostly hung out in our camper and took it easy. A little before noon the skies cleared up and it was a beautiful warm day. We were able to eat some lunch outside and then head to Mantua Lake for family fishing. The lake was beautiful and the girls were excited for Daddy to teach them how to fish. We bought them a little Barbie fishing pole and Kory practiced with them for a while before putting a real hook on the end. Once the girls had enough practice Kory went to put a hook on and get his pole. He went to get his pole and the crank was missing! So much for Kory fishing :( Well I told him he should use the Barbie pole once the girls were done. He decided that was better than nothing. So we all took turns fishing with Barbie! Right before it was time to go, I decided I wanted to try casting the line once or twice. So I threw it out and on the third time, I caught my first fish! The girls were so excited they were singing "Mommy caught a fish, mommy caught a fish!" It was really little and I didn't want it to die so I put it back in the water, but before I could get my camera it got off the hook all by itself - so no pics of my first fish :(

Daddy helping Skylar fish

Daddy helping Kortnie fish

Kory showing off his Barbie fishing pole

Holland slept the whole time we were fishing. (I was playing with my camera trying some different features, so that is why the colors are off.)

Skylar at the lake. (I was playing with the settings again.)

The girls at the lake.

After fishing we went back to camp and enjoyed hanging out with Kory's family. More people were starting to show up and we helped them get set up. Then we started cooking for the potluck dinner. We made dutch oven apricot chicken and rice. It was a favorite and I think we will definatly make it again. I have already thought of some ways to alter the recipe. When dinner was over everyone sat around the campfire and sang songs. Kory's family is always so much fun to do campfire songs with. Most of them can sing really well, but they also really enjoy having fun and getting silly. One of our favorite parts of the whole campout was having Kory's brother Keith lead us in some great songs! Thanks Keith!

Singing "Tooty Ta" around the camp fire.

Kortnie and Holland with cousin Andrea at the camp fire.

Saturday morning we woke up and cooked breakfast and got ready, then we all played games together. We played a couple fantastic rounds of catch phrase. Then I played a game of scrabble, while Kory took the kids on a walk. We had lunch, cleaned up and came home.
The number were small this year, but I think it was one of our families favorite years! We wish more people would have been able to make, but we still had a blast!

The only downside to the whole weekend was that we encountered a massive wreck on the way home. We had to completely stop on I-15 for 45 minutes. Life flight had to be called in and take those in the car to the hospital. I am not sure how many people were involved or what their status was, but it was a scary to see the wreckage. Skylar was upset and even asked us to pray for those who were hurt. It was a sad end to a wonderful weekend. We did say a prayer though and hope that those involved will be okay.

Next year we are talking about doing a day at the park instead of the family campout, in hopes that more people will come. We can't wait to see everyone again next year!