Memorable memorial weekend!!!

We had a great memorial day weekend. Our plan originally was to go camping in Jackson Hole, WY. The night before the weather forecast changed from warm to cold and rainy. So plans quickly changed from there to 20 min. past Manti, UT. I didn't know that I would be able to make that 6.5 hour drive at 36 weeks pregnant. But I hate to miss out on all the fun so we decided to go for it. It was more than slightly uncomfortable, but well worth the trip!

FRIDAY...We drove down on Friday morning. 4 hours later we arrived at Mark and Loretta's house. Then an hour later we were all off to the Palasades camp site, just past Manti. It was a lake front camping spot and a great view of it from the cabin, which was located up the hill. The only bad thing was we had to drive back and forth from the cabin and tents. Too bad they weren't right next to each other. We ended up spending all of the time at the cabin and set up our camp fire there. Let me just say, Mark and Loretta sure know how to camp. Every meal was perfectly planned, and quite delicious. They didn't miss a thing.

SATURDAY...Saturday was the perfect day, the weather was warm, we hung out, played lots of games, went into town, and ate lots of amazing food (which definitely showed on the scale at my next weigh in;).

I don't have pictures but when we went into the small town of Ephraim we had lunch, went to Walmart, and then went to the Scandenavian festival. It was a hot day, but it was fun to walk around, listen to the band they had, and soak up the sun. Although I think I soaked up a little too much sun...my skin was crazy burned that night!!!

Gabe, Mark, and Josh

Ashlyn loved riding behind the bike. I think we are going to need to make the investment!

Josh, Brit, Kelsey, Loretta (behind the post) and Mark

This was our Cabin. It had a 2 bunk beds with roll outs underneath, a bathroom, and a sink and fridge. It was a little cramp with Mark and Loretta, Brit, their 3 kids, Kelsey and Gideon, and Ashlyn and I. I actually camped in the tent the first night but Ashlyn woke up freezing in the morning that I thought it would be better in the cabin. Then the 2nd night Josh and Gabe joined us late because they didn't want to go down to the tents late at night. Lets just say it was a little tight. I was sleeping on a TWIN bed. I take up 3/4 of that on my own. Not to mention that I toss and turn now about every 5 min. Halfway through the night he was on the tile floor. Then the last hour he was back on the bed again. Not the most comfortable sleeping situation. The good thing is everyone was warm.

What a cute little girl! She's getting so big!

SUNDAY...Sunday morning, the weather was really nice. It was so nice, in fact, that we climbed the mountain right behind our cabin. I think everyone was slightly worried that I was going to go into labor, but I didn't want to miss out on that grueling hike. I was just proud I made it. Then late afternoon it was rainy and cold, as it was throughout the rest of the weekend:(

This is the mountain we hiked!

This is as far as the kids made it. It started to get too steep that we thought it would be better if they went back down.

35.5 weeks right there!

Let me just say that we all felt accomplished when we reached the top. That was not an easy climb. The moment we reached the top a guy on a four wheeler was driving by. We asked if he was giving rides. For some odd reason he laughed! Apparently he didn't see my 8 month belly. History has shown that when I climb mountains when I'm pregnant, I go into labor soon after. Luckily I made it down with baby in tact!

Funny story... The camp fire kept smoking so much that we though it would be good to take out some of the Ashes. So Mark, in his infinite wisdom, took the kids PLASTIC shovel, and dug a hole under our pit to put the ashes in. Then he started scooping the HOT ashes out with that same shovel...

After one scoop it started melting. So he thought that it would be a great idea to get another plastic shovel to help out....

As you can see this shovel didn't last very long either.

$10 later, Carly and Joseph then helped finish the job with a METAL pan. It worked, nothing compared to the 2 plastic shovels though! It provided a great laugh for us all:)

We all got a kick of Mark going for his morning ride in his plaid flannel PJ's!

MONDAY... we left the campsite and stayed at Mark and Loretta's. Then went the rest of the way home on Tuesday. It was a little easier to break it up then going the entire way all at once!

This was the first time that I have seen the Manti temple. It was amazing! I would love to go inside someday!