Thomas S Monson Camp

We were able to go to Thomas S. Monson campground this year- something we were sad to miss last year. And the timing was great this year- late enough in the summer to make the bugs hardly a problem and we timed it just right so that our family and my friend's family were the only ones at the camp for the two nights we stayed. Austin wasn't able to make it because we have so many other things planned in September and he couldn't take off work, but his dad was able to come and it was a very fun experience for the kids!

Of course the highlight of the camp is canoeing and kayaking on the lake. The kids wanted to get out on the water as soon as possible.

Asher and Leif were eager to kayak by themselves, so the adults canoed around with the younger kids.

Of course we made s'mores several times

And something special for the kids on this camping trip was that Grandpa took them fishing.

They tried on the dock and in a canoe on the second day of our trip with no bites, but it was still interesting for them.

Natalie was sleep deprived most of the trip because of all the excitement going on. She cried for almost an hour  about wanting to go where everyone else was going before I got her settled down enough to sleep in the hammock with me. She only lasted about half an hour, but it gave her a nice little recharge.

Grandpa also taught the kids how to wash dishes while camping and each one had at least one meal that they were in charge of cleaning up.

On our last morning, the kids wanted to go out on the boats before we left and Heidi talked Grandpa into trying fishing one more time.

Trevor and Natalie got to go kayaking with their older brothers for a bit (Natalie only got to stay between the docks) so they enjoyed that.

My friend's daughter started fishing a bit after everyone else had given up on it and actually caught something, which got everyone excited and wanting a turn. Although some of the fish weren't very big, each kid was able to have a turn catching something, then we released them back into the water.

Grandpa had to fish and catch for Natalie, she just reeled it in, but she was very excited about it. Now Austin is going to have to take his kids fishing once Grandpa goes back home.