Camp DuRoss- Part 2

Okay, so, water was the theme this year.  9 water events in 8 days.  Water is great with kids AND adults.  Water is also fluid, like you have to learn to be as a parent and a part of a group.  So I guess this all makes sense for us.

Drove over the pass for a float trip on the Snake River.  Another day basking in some of this planet's best views.

These two...

led to these 15.  Pretty cool.  

Chip, who I think was a photographer in a previous life...or maybe his soul is moving towards that for his next time around ;), caught this shot back at the house.

Oh jeez..forgot I brought the felt too.  I think I am a mess instigator!  My inner child is just really alive, what can I say!?

Nana made us all sing and dance.  Love that.  A family that dances together is a family that stays together.  True story. :)

One morning it was raining.  We headed up to Targhee to see what we could find.  As I mentioned before, hiking is a little difficult, however, Erika solved any resistance this day with her nifty sample boxes for each of the kids.  The assignment was to gather samples that were all linked by some common theme.  Owen chose to collect bugs and Ruby chose to collect flowers.  Both boxes were chock full of awesomeness by the end of our walking.  It is amazing how much more you see when you are looking.  I am sure we will do this again.  Thanks, Erika!

Everyone was part of the searching.

Cute.

These two ditched us and the pool to push for a hike to the top.  Nice work, ladies!

We thought Music on Main might get rained out this year but the clouds parted for Texas Locals, The Suffers, to take the stage.  The music was fantastic and the dancing...oh yeah, I think you already know how I feel about dancing.  Good times.

Love.

Oh man!  Nana and Papa outdid themselves again.  This group of little people were "looking for marmots" when they stumbled across a map!  Well, who would have guessed?  It looked like remnants of something from that Chief Swallow Bird from the story Nana read a few years ago.  Hmmm...better follow it.

And, we are off!

PS- we like to get dressed up for adventures like this.  Just so happens that Nana has a chest of hats and scarves in case of such events.  Phew. ;)

Map says fill Suburban with 15 people and head up to the trail at the top of the road.  Let's go!

Love.

We are hot on the trail!

This is a REAL map, people.  We found the second part pinned to a tree with an arrow.  It is going to lead us to treasure for sure.

Well, what do you know?  Found...after lots of hiking, searching, map reading, and fun.  Can't wait to get home and see what kind of treasures are in this mysterious box.  

One of the master minds.  Pleased with this group's find.

Two more pleased people.  "We love treasure!"

Started the trip on the Teton River, and ended it there too.  This time we had paddle boards, all three families with kids went, and we had a blast goofing around on the river all afternoon.

Finn rocked the paddle board.

Selah paddled her own kayak...with cargo!

We spent all day trading passengers from one watercraft to another.

Brothers.

These kids are awesome.

Trip ended also with the now traditional awards ceremony.  I would say we all won in SO many ways.  Thanks, Nana and Papa, for hosting another Camp DuRoss.  The planning was so thoughtful and perfect.  Your love and generosity of spirit and resources is always a great inspiration to us.

Thought I would wrap up with a few great shots of the view from the deck.  Love this deck and this valley.

Back home!  Kessler was missed. ;) We will miss our time with family also.  Love you all!