Diamond Fork Camping Trip

My dad used to take us camping or hiking nearly once a month, it seemed. Even in the Oregon rain. This reunion camping trip made me nostalgic. I miss camping with my family! My mom is the ultimate camper. She remembers to pack everything. It was fun to help her get everything ready the day before because it reminded me of being 11 and doing the same thing. I also remembered how we always left 2-3 hours late. No exception to that rule for this trip. But when we got there, we found that the canyon was gorgeous, the conversation was fun, and the food was great. The kids had a blast playing in the water spout and the icy river and the muddy creek bed. I couldn't imagine a prettier landscape.
Joann and I got up really early one morning and took a walk over the hill. I regretted leaving my camera in the car because the light was so nice for taking pictures. We found another campsite, more secluded, for a larger group, and I started thinking about our big reunion next summer. I guess I fell in love with the area and wanted to come back! Later in the day, I showed the rest of the family the site (and since it was overcast, I got to take my pictures) and they were convinced that it was perfect for the reunion. My mother always amazes me with her knowledge of plant life. I think she had every flower named on the walk over.


Some trip highlights were when Devin made snow cones for everyone and we ran out of ice, but we couldn't convince the kids they couldn't have seconds--they just hung around like flies; when Joann bounced and dipped in the frosty water like a fish; when the boys had their "superman" contest (does anyone have a pic of this?) under the river current (who won?), and when we told the pioneer stories on the 24th. We got caught in the rain, but it didn't ruin the fabulous dinner Mom prepared. Devin and I saw a skunk on the edge of camp one night and had stinking dreams.

Something to remember: Joann at age 2 and 2 months:
Devin carried Joann up the red rock. Joann said,
"What's Kaylana doing?"
"She's hiking. Are you hiking?"
"No, I'm holding my Dada."

Devin said, "I better have steady feet or we're in trouble. Joann, do you think I have steady feet?"
"No. We're in trouble!"



I for one, did not want to come home. Three days were not long enough.