the devils

It would seem that a group of youth from church are going on an adventure (conveniently called the High Adventure) to a place near and dear to Chris's heart.

The Seven Devils.

Because the leader of this group of boys was unfamiliar with the area, he wanted to go there ahead of time and check it out.
Chris ever-so-kindly agreed to show him around this past weekend.

And they each decided to bring along a few kiddos to add some excitement.

The kids were pumped up and ready for the first backpack trip of the summer!

Unfortunately, Chris thought the hike would be too difficult (long) for Austin.
But I had to work.
Luckily, the mom of the other family they went with (they are also our friends and they have a boy Austin's age) offered to keep him until I got home.
She told me, "Of course it is no problem, I mean Chris is doing us such a HUGE favor, after all, to go on this trip!"
I just started laughing.
If that's how she thinks it is...



Anyway, from all accounts...it was a great time.

Despite my worry about all the lightening we were getting at home, they had beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery.

Their plans were changed up a bit when they were informed that there were still huge drifts of snow along the way.
They didn't want to get into trouble since they were getting a late start hiking in, so they decided to just camp for the night at the bottom of the trail.
Then the next day, they hiked all the way to the lake and back out.
My kids were very tired from hiking 10 miles in such a short time, but they loved it.
Especially the conversations.
From what I hear, they discussed some pretty deep topics.
And seemed to laugh a lot!

The only downside was the fishing.
Carson was frustrated that no one even got a bite.

Maybe next time!








Celisa and Carlie.


Peter and Carson.


Can you spot the fisherman in the picture?


Now?


There he is...giving it all he's got, I'm sure.


And, to make it really fun...snakes.
Atta girl.




Oh, by the way...no snow, as it turns out.


This is the angry kind of wildlife we would much prefer them to observe from the confines of our vehicle.
And thankfully that's just what happened.

And least that's what they tell me.