Great Basin National Park

Todd's family invited everyone to go on a camping trip together this year. Unfortunately our family, Grandma Fenwick, and Todd's family were the only ones able to go, but we had a fantastic time. I think the boys really enjoyed camping and had fun playing with their cousins. We went to Great Basin National Park, which is on the Utah/Nevada border from Thursday, August 15 through Saturday, August 17. Todd's family went the day before us and got us a camp site. They were gone hiking when we arrived, so we set up our tent and the boys explored around. There was a little creek that ran right through the campground, which Deacon loved! That night we had a campfire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.

Matt bought a 6-person tent for us, but it was a little tight. I don't know why tents can't be more accurate, but it worked. The next day we went on a little hike, went to the visitors center, and went through the Lehman Caves, which was really cool. We went on a longer hike that night to the Bristlecone Pines and had another fire that evening. 

On Saturday, we cleaned up camp and then went on a hike to Stella Lake. Emer didn't do as well on the hikes while we were camping as he did on the one earlier this month with Grandpa. With Matt there, he wanted Matt to hold him, which is not fun on a several mile hike. Somehow they eventually made it to the lake. I've learned that kids always expect snacks on hikes, so I made sure to bring snacks and water - I did forget the sunscreen though!

 After the hike, we started on our way home. We stopped at a park in a little town on the way to make and eat lunch and then headed home. We were all pretty tired, but had a really fun time.