Memories of summer

Over the summer we did so many fun things, that when asked what their favorite summer memory was the kids responded with a panicked look in their eye. It was as if they had just been told that their plane was about to crash and they had to choose which of their children would receive the last remaining oxygen mask. Then from out of no where, an old man in the next row over offers to let the kids have his pet iguana's oxygen mask, because we all know that iguanas are quite resilient. The kids were relieved when they were told they didn't have to choose only one memory.
An activity that was near the top of the list, however, was our trip to a nearby water fall. This was no ordinary waterfall, though. It was like a free water park, complete with crowds, no shade and hot life guards-- if you're counting Michael, which I totally am. We took pictures, but this is one time when I don't feel the pictures quite do it justice. I mean it was incredible there! The water was a bit chilly, but once you got used to not feeling your toes, it was quite pleasant. There were spots where the river had created a natural pool, and they made the perfect kiddie pools for the young-uns.

We went camping with some friends, and we made sure we chose a week day because this place can get awful crowded on weekends. Little did we know that a local Indian tribe was having their annual pow-wow. We were unable to avoid the crowds, but I'll tell you what. It was so worth it. We were lulled to sleep by the sound of their chanting and the beating of their drums. It's a sound that I can't even begin to try to explain to you. As we lay in our bed, listening to the music, I longed to be a part of it. Michael and I both wished to be included in their age old rituals, and customs. To be allowed to sit around their fire with them and hear the stories of their ancestors. It was an experience to be remembered for sure.

Back to the falls. A large part of the river was as you see it above. A huge slab of rock with only a few inches of water running down it. Where the actual water falls are is where the people gather to take their turn on the water slide made by Mother Nature. After sliding down the falls, the current pushes you up and carries you down the river. Minimal swimming is required. Warning: Wearing protective toosh gear is essential in preventing an embarrassing yet inevitable rip in your swim suit.

Here, Michael is standing at the top of the falls with our friend, who is instructing Michael on which part of the slide does the least amount of damage to your rear end. Michael looks really short in comparison to our friend who we like to call The Gentle Giant.

Hunter was awesome! He went down again and again. My first time going down was kinda scary, though. From the top you can't see if the pool is clear, and common sense would tell those down below to get the heck out of the way because, hello! People are sliding here! There is an unspoken rule that you don't swim in the pool RIGHT UNDERNEATH THE WATERFALL. Well I, assuming the coast was clear, shoved off and was just coming over the edge of the waterfall, when I looked down and there was some teenage kid RIGHT BELOW ME. I couldn't stop, so I did this really cool looking twist thingy with my body that propelled me a tiny bit further out from his head. I didn't feel my feet hit anything, which I took as a good sign. When I came up he was over in the corner, laughing! I wanted to punch him in the face, but my general concern for human life overruled that emotion and I asked him if he was OK. He was tempted to laugh, but after hearing the crowd around him yell what an idiot he was, he meekly apologized and went on his way. Scared the crap out of me for sure!

Did I not tell you the lifeguards were hot? It was like, 100 degrees that day, thanks to him.

Laynee had so much fun playing with her Ariel doll in the water. We made a little pool for her with the rocks surrounding us, and she felt very secure, albeit a little tired, in her watery world.

This is the tent that Hunter and his friend slept in. Hunter went up a day early with them and the two boys set up their own tent. I love the ingenuity presented here. They said it was a little cramped, but they didn't seem to care either.

Corrine and Laynee amused themselves with the dogs. Daisy is in the foreground and our friend's golden, Gloria is in the background. These two kept us safe while we were there. I swear Daisy has a bark that sounds like she'll devour you if you step anywhere near her family.

We are totally going there again next year. Anyone else wanna come?