Grandpa's Mountain

Isaac has been begging all summer literally, to go camping at "Grandpa's Mountain" (a title he invented.)  He was so disappointed when "Kid's Camp" didn't mean camping at my parent's property on the mountain.  We finally made the trip a few weeks ago.

What is the greatest thing about going camping on "Grandpa's Mountain?"  Well, there are too many greatest things to choose just one.  The kids always look forward to riding (and driving) the 4-wheelers.  The beauty is really hard to beat since the property is really high and secluded.  Sitting by the fire and eating peanuts has become a mountain tradition.  Spending time with (and getting spoiled by) Grandpa and Grandma is always a treat.  Definitely topping the list of greatest things is catching frogs down at the pond.

 Isaac held onto his frog really tight to ensure that it wouldn't escape.

 Levi could hardly wait to get down to the pond.  Thankfully, we ran into Aunt Beck there and she hooked us up with an old coffee can to keep our catch in.  With her mentoring, Levi became a master frog catcher.

 Little brother felt safer with his frog in his pocket instead of squished between his palms.

 I was in charge of holding the frogs while the hunters continued searching for more.

 When we got back to camp, Levi has a whole can full of frogs to play with.

 And play with them he did.

 The coffee can full of frogs kept the brothers entertained for hours.

 Daisy was less into frog catching, but begged and begged for us to take her up to Horny Toad Hill.  We kept telling her "after lunch" we would go.  So as soon as she had finished eating, she was on the four wheeler ready to head out for the big hunt.  After waiting not-so-patiently for the rest of us, we finally made the trek up to Horny Toad Hill.  Daisy caught this baby horny toad all by herself.

 Isaac liked the horny toads better than the frogs because they didn't jump.  He could play with them longer.

 At first, it didn't seem like we were going to find many horny toads, but then Levi spotted one and snatched it up.  He and grandma found the most horny toads of all.

 Isaac kept a few in his pockets for the ride back to camp.

After the big horny toad hunt, it was back to work on Grandma's tree house.  Dad and Levi worked together to get the boards into place.  Mom and Grandma measured and cut (yes, grandma was using the chainsaw) and Grandpa handed them up and stood on the ladder until they were screwed into place. 

The leaves hadn't really started changing yet, so we're hoping to make it up the mountain one more time this fall.  We love all the things about camping at Grandpa's mountain!