Wyoming

This weekend we went with friends up to Wyoming, hoping Brian could experience some of the best fishing of his life. We were about an hour south of Jackson Hole where the water is icy cold and mosquitos swarm, both good for fishing. The best spot ended up being right behind the cabin we were renting in town, not even the beautiful lakes we drove forever to get to, like the one in the top picture. Bri loved practicing with his fly rod and was catching a fish almost every five minutes! Most were small, but a couple were big enough to keep and eat. Eli got into it too, preferring to use a stick rather than his spiderman pole. This last picture will serve as proof that his wildest dreams have come true.

Father's Day Weekend

I figured it was a perfect present to let Bri's wildest dreams come true and go camping. I knew I would be forfeiting a night's sleep, but it was totally worth it. It was our first time since having kids. Eli loved it, practically giddy the whole time, and Esme was her patient self. Eli decided the animal sitings were his favorites. We asked him on the drive there and he was hoping to see a giraffe. He had to settle for big horn sheep, deer, chipmonks, deer, ducks, and more deer. We even saw a hawk dive and catch a fish.The highlights for me were: a quiet campground with a view, renting a boat, making fireballs... I mean smores, swinging in the hammock, and, most importantly, not seeing 1 mosquito.

Bri loves good family time out in nature. He had to do all the work setting up, cooking, and packing up while I watched the kids, but he didn't mind. He's a hard worker and happy to serve. He always wants us with him. A great trait he inherited from his dad. When he's not working, we're his favorite company. When there's something he wants to do, he tries to find a way for us to come -like ocean fishing with his parents in Oregon in August or a nationals event for his martial arts in New Jersey in July. If I want to get out to do something I try and find a way to go kidless. Don't tell them I said that. Bri's the best. What's more flattering than being someone's preferred groupie.

Is it any wonder we count the hours until he gets home every day?

Esme's First Fishing Trip

That's a big deal in this house. The city conveniently built a new park with a small fishing pond just a couple of blocks away. The perfect way to spend last Saturday afternoon. The boys both reeled in fish, at the same time! I wish I'd seen it, but Bri gave me the play by play. Eli was just excited to get home and play with his catch.

The Best Yet

Don't worry, I won't bother you with the details of every fishing trip, but this Saturday was our favorite so far and held a few firsts for Eli. Remembering how good the fishing was on our last visit there 3 years ago, we went to the Uintahs through Kamas. The drive up to Washington Lake was easy and smooth, unlike the past few weekends, and the quick 1-mile hike to Wall Lake was on a practically level trail. One side of the lake had cliffs and ledges of different levels which gave us nice seats, and meant for deep- and therefore fish-laden- water. As we soon learned, it also made the spot a popular swimming hole. I'm afraid I didn't think to get a picture until it was crawling with strangers diving, sun bathing, and repelling. At least 3 parties came through, just to dive in and swim. If I ever build up the courage to go camping (where there is no traditional toilet) this will definitely be the place.




Eli ended up doing his first hiking since getting him into the backpack isn't easy and we figured we could tire him into it. He's gotten quite independent lately and loves climbing over obstacles and gets proud. Every now and again he'd ask for help. What really melted me was when we would walk between the campsite and the lake he would turn around after crossing a tough spot, say "up" (aka help) and hold out his hand to help me through it. Now that I see the size of my belly in these pictures, I can see why.




Brian read up on what the fish there bite best on and even brought some garlic powder (definitely cheating) to coat the powerbait. We couldn't have been there more than half an hour when Eli's spider man pole bent with the 2nd fish of the day. He reeled for a little while, but grew tired of it and Brian pulled in his big fish. We were much more excited than him, probably because we were finally somwhere we could make a fire and actually cook the fish at the lake. At first Eli wouldn't even eat it.He was more interested in pushing his train along the ledges.


Next time we'll definitely bring swim suits, but just being able to hang our feet over into the water was a nice treat. I've found that comfort must be traded in when we want to be out in nature, but this was the most luxurious spot we've found- IF you bring mosquito repellent.

Brian's 4th of July

I don't know if anyone else is sore from their Independence Day activities, but our first family hike was an adventure. When he doesn't have to work, Brian wants to be out in nature. After almost colliding with a speeding ATV on our curvy drive up the mountain, we parked at our usual fishing spot and and hiked 1.7 miles up to a higher lake. I was winded almost from the start, but luckily the gray clouds that had us worried only stuck around to keep the temperatures cool for our trek up and dissipated once we reached the lake.

Once there, Eli and I just wanted to rest and you'd never know Brian had been the one wearing the 40 pound pack (including Eli) up the mountain because he went right for his fishing pole. Eli and I stuffed ourselves on goldfish and tried to get comfortable on the steep, rocky shore we found. Eli was excited to try out his new Spider Man pole.

It got pretty dramatic on a walk to find a better spot when the path involved crossing a stream and big rocks. With a backpack on his back and Eli in his arms Brian slipped and miraculously managed to twist and land on his back on a rock. The boy was scared but just fine. Brian's elbow was not, although it wasn't too bad to keep him from fishing. I had to tend it first, but had to stop when I started getting light-headed and my hearing stopped working. Moms can't be wimpy.

We passed people along the way who were treating the hike like a nice walk after dinner, for us it was an all-day affair. When we finally made it back down [middle picture, I like how tired Eli looks(which was 10 times easier than going up)] I was actually relieved to hear those loud ATVs and visit the smelly outhouse. It was a beautiful place, good exercise, and made Brian especially happy. It was also good training for our trip to Switzerland at the end of August. I'm sure my dad will have us walking (for him, hiking for us) up and down all kinds of hills and mountains.

Fishing

Next to Soo Bahk, I think it's Brian's favorite thing to do. Weather permitting, he has the goal of going fishing every weekend this summer. The first two Saturdays have been Silver Lake Flat behind Mt. Timpanogos in American Fork Canyon. Beautiful, huh?

The less crowded and more out of the way the lake is, the better for my rural Idahoan, although that makes the drive longer and more treacherous. Thanks for the Jeep, father-in-law Frank. It's coming in mighty handy.

I don't mind the journey, as long as there's food and Eli's happy. In that order. Eli doesn't mind either. He loves exploring the bank and forest for sticks and rocks and animals (chipmunks and humming birds so far), although he's still too timid to touch the fish, so he makes me do it.



When it comes to eating them, he's quite eager. The first time we brought out the serving dish with the one lonely fish caught that day, he was seriously concerned about the missing head.


So, if it's Saturday morning and the weather is nice, you know what we'll be doing. If anyone knows of any good fishing holes, please tell. Brian's dedicated enough to drive into Wyoming. And if you want to come we have an extra pole and would love company. Don't worry, we bring all the comforts of home.