Wide Open Spaces

 A couple of weeks ago, our family traveled to the end of the earth...or at least the end of the state.  Jeff had a work appointment near an outpost they call Gandy.  We made a family trip out of the affair.  We all loaded up in the mini (with a few snacks and the bb gun) and headed toward the sunset.  Things were pretty desolate.  We even wagered how many other lone vehicles we would see along the way.  Our stop was about a mile from the Nevada state line, so we got a family picture, and ate at a place where the restaurant portion is in Nevada and the convenience store portion is in Utah. The daughter of the family we talked to is one of 17 students in her entire school, which includes 6th through 12th grades.  And we thought we lived in a small town!   It was a fun trip (much better than I expected, actually) but we were glad to make it back to civilization.

 This boy is an Avenger.  Just ask him.  He'll tell you.  He is most typically found in uniform, which doesn't always include pants.  He loves to defend the world...or at least the toy room.  Another thing he loves is camping.  Isaac has asked EVERY DAY for the past MONTH to "go to the camping." 

 So we did!  We headed down to Salina where Grandpa and Grandma were camping with "the couples" (all of their friends) for Labor Day.

 We didn't take the horses...

 ...so we had to ride 4-wheelers instead.

 We went on a family hike one morning.  Every little while, Isaac (who is not only an Avenger, but a champion hiker, by the way,) would stop, turn around, and instruct me, "Take my picture."  So, of course, I did.

 I balanced the camera on the edge of a rock to set the timer and take this picture.  Right as the countdown ended and the picture was about to shoot, a tiny breeze came up and turned the camera, so only Daisy was in the picture.  We all giggled and then tried again.

 This was another "take my picture" moment, but we had sister jump in to add some variety.

 These two tough guys blazed the trail and stayed well ahead of Isaac (who has short legs but insists on hiking,) Daisy (who has long legs but complains about hiking the entire time we are doing it: "Why are we hiking?  Camping is supposed to be relaxing!") and mom, who is carrying several extra pounds these days.

When we got back to camp, we ate popsicles and enjoyed the shade.  The leaves were starting to change and the mountain was beautiful.  It made me grateful that we live in a place with so many wide open spaces, and so thankful for each moment I get to spend with my amazing and adorable family.