Family Camp 2017 - Johnson Hills Camp

We had another wonderful Family Camp this year.  We went to Johnson-Hills Camp, which belongs to a family in our ward.  We knew we needed to go early because Christie is very pregnant and due in early July and it needed to be low so it wouldn't still be too cold.  And it needed to be comfortable too since she's not really up to sleeping out in a tent when she's very pregnant either.  So the Johnson's place filled the bill and at an affordable rate to boot.  We went May31st - June 3rd (Wednesday-Saturday).  We had everyone there except Kaebri (on Trek), Supe and Beacher (starting business at Veryo Pool/Crawdad Canyon), and Bean.  Some people couldn't stay the whole time, but it was still a pretty good showing.  We had 36 some of the time.  This year was different because Juge, Lou, Ferf and Derek all had camp trailers.  Lou was in a tent and Moss, Jay and us were inside the "grand hotel".  The camp had bathrooms, showers, water and electricity.  It had awnings and a big gathering area and toys for the kids to play on.  It was like a developed camp ground but private for us.  It was very nice and close to Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon for some fun outings.  We had good weather pretty much all of the time.  We did have one little rain/wind storm that nearly took out Lou's tent, but thankfully that was the only real bad spell.

Here's the entry and layout of the camp spots for everyone.

The toys were a big hit with the younger set.  Lots of forts were also built our in the "boonies" of the camp.  

 As always, eating was a big hit too.  The food was plentiful and tasty!  

 Clara Lenae was the youngest in camp this year...and oh so cute!  

Thursday evening we celebrated with Madi #7 and Lance #39.  We also had a talent show that night.

Thursday morning everyone got ready as quickly as possible and we took the big "family shot" and then left for a hike to Mossy Cave and the Waterfall which are a part of Bryce Canyon.  It was a really pretty, family friendly hike.  

 Friday morning Jay got bikes ready, Brynnli got hair ready and then we went over by Red Canyon to ride 5.29 miles along the paved bike path that runs by it.  We went in two different heats so that everyone could have a turn on the bikes.  Some of us toured the Red Canyon Visitor's center while some rode.  It took much longer to get ready and loaded up and drive over than it did to do the ride, but it was fun and worth the trouble.  Zade learned to use his coaster brake thanks to Lance and Lance also saved Madi from an unfamiliar bike she was riding on the second  ride.  Many thanks go to him for his patient, helpful ways.  

We also found time to just have fun around the camp - playing table games, Capture the Flag, hanging out with the cousins, etc.  It's so fun seeing the kids and dogs enjoying each other...and the adults too.

 The last morning the Smiths were in charge of an easy, let's get things cleaned up and ready to go breakfast.  There was a vast array of cold cereal and Pop Tarts to choose from.  The kids thought it was the best meal ever! (I thought every meal was wonderful!)

So glad we are trying to continue the chance to spend time together every year in this organized fashion.  Supe and Beacher were going to be in charge this time, but at the last minute the job at Veyo Pool came up and they couldn't, so Paul and Bonnie took it on.  So Supe and Beacher are up for 2018!