scratch it off the life list...

I finally got to see THIS... Crater Lake was beautiful. So worth the drive and totally as wonderful as it's hyped up to be by those who have gone before. But that wasn't ALL we did--
John got in a few casts at Diamond Lake (though the fish weren't biting)


We camped overnight with Grandpa and Grandma. Sharing the trailer at bedtime was fun, and probably Caleb's favorite part-he has been wanting to sleep in there for years and was even asking at the campfire "Can we go to bed now?!" That's a first, for sure. We had tired bodies stretched out in the aisles, on the table and the couch and a few choruses of 'Night John-boy!
We might have become afflicted with RV fever. I am cruising Craigslist looking for a trailer or cheap motorhome. However, I am having trouble finding someone willing to trade one for fresh eggs, blackberry jam and zucchini...
We HAD to make s'mores. It's un-american not to. We are all about lovin' our country.

Sam has the Indian mohawk, and quickly found what he knew was a perfect Indian Bow (the untrained eye saw a dead branch). He wished out loud for warpaint-it would make everything perfect.
Though I am embarrassed to admit it, I even wear eyeliner while camping. But I can assure you that Sam was glad to benefit from his Mom being a total priss. Revlon Colorstay should advertise themselves as being able to keep an Indian lookin' fierce for over 24 hours.The chipmunks were practically tame and we loved feeding the fuzzy little beggars every chance we could. Caleb was madly in love with them and happily shared his hot dog with this brave little guy. Poor Grandpa didn't get more than 2 of his Ritz crackers the whole day as they were the perfect Chip 'n Dale bait.

This, exactly this, is the essence of a summer memory in the making...a sunset on the lake with three boys rocking the dock and shrieking with delight. I know they will pull up these sweet remembrances as an adult and savor them again...


a blue lake in an ancient volcano. watching the crackling fire. exploring nature. playing cribbage with Grandpa. snuggling in a sleeping bag. feeding the birds your sandwich crusts. a pink sunset. long walks. tree tops swaying. Grandma's warm pancakes. listening for bears. throwing pine cones. pretending to be an Indian. sharpening a branch end for marshmallows.
taking a picture with your family in front of a national treasure.