Roaming Wyoming Smiles

We recently returned from our family camping/rafting trip to Wyoming and our family reunion in Utah.  We put 2,225 miles on our little car as we drove through parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and a tip of Arizona to get there and back.  That is a long trip….. and a lot of sitting…. but  it is always worth the effort when we get to spend time with dear family.

As soon as we got to Wyoming we were greeted by a mama deer. She didn’t hang around long but my friend Patti who lives there says that the whole family comes to visit her almost everyday. Beautiful Wyoming makes me smile.

As soon as camp was set up, we started preparing dinner. If you are thinking hot dogs and chips you are wrong….

Our kids have mastered the art of camp cooking. Every meal was a feast like this one made up of Tri-tip, baked potatoes, salad, corn , etc..

We all took turns helping and every meal turned out great.

  Each night after dinner we had  Dutch oven desserts like these berry and apple cobblers.

Our Camp meals made us all smile.

Of course the best part was being with all 4 of our children and their families. It was the first time that we had all been together at the river for many years.  Justin who is serving as a missionary in Guatemala was the only one who was not there with us.  Being with our kids and grands really made us smile.

From our oldest grandson, Jordan to our youngest granddaughter, Ellie….

And all in between….. we all had a wonderful time together.

There was singing around the campfire….

There was plenty of hot chocolate and hugs to warm us and make us smile.

The main attraction for most of our group was rafting down the Snake river.

I can’t go on the rapids any more since I broke all my ribs last year….

But I did go on the gentle “Little Kid” float and had fun with the wee ones.

Wouldn’t these cute kids make you smile???

Erin taught us to sing a hymn in ASL (American sign language)

We enjoyed a lovely dinner and show at Bar J again this year.

Going to Bar J always makes me smile.

It was a great vacation in Wyoming…. and John and I really lucked out. Our good friends, Patti and Ronnie moved to Wyoming and live only 27 miles from the place we camp each year.  This year we stayed with them each night. We slept in a soft, cozy bed and had our own bathroom to use. That made me smile. Since my ribs are still tender that worked out great for and was much better than staying in our trailer.

While we were there we went to the county fair with Patti. This beautiful heirloom baby dress she made won a blue ribbon and the “Best of Show” award. I was so proud of her.

I know this is a long blog and I’ve put in lots of pictures. I couldn’t help it. I just had to share all of these smiles with you.

I feel so blessed and thankful that we could make this trip this year. I was flat in bed this time last year and we couldn’t go. I am thankful that I have healed enough to go and enjoy this wonderful time with family.

I hope that all of you are doing well.  I am sending you hugs.

Have a great week.