Boys Annual Backpacking Trip

For the past few years Nelson's brother Spencer has been planning back packing trips to various locations. The trips are always filled with family and friends with Max being the only kid so far. Even though Nelson's summers are usually busy and over packed with church and family outings, he makes sure he is available for these trips. Honestly I think these are some of his favorite trips to go on. Spencer honestly puts a lot of time into planning these things. This year the spent a week in the Wind Rivers.

It was fun listening to them when they got home. I don't think Nelson could have been a prouder dad. I think I heard him say close to 50 times how proud he was of Max. I don't think all kids are cut out for that type of labor and work. For some reason Max loves it and enjoys every bit of it. Max even spent his 10Th birthday back packing in the mountains. Nelson was good to pack an extra dessert and candles for Max. The whole group sang happy birthday to him. On the other hand I was super sad to not even be able to talk to him on his birthday.

Asher and I missed them a ton while they were gone but we were so glad they could go. Made me realize how sad it would be if something tragic happened to a member in our family. Asher would wake up every morning just crying "I miss Max". Good to know that even with all their fighting- they still love each other so much.

As always Max always learns something new on the trip. This years was farmer blowing. The "men" decided it was about time he learned this technique. I was fine with it until he came home and told me he decided it to try it at recess. Oh man I think this can get ugly. Let's just hope he has figured out how to not get his snot all down him. What happened to good ole tissue

Here are some highlights from the trip:

Fishing & Hanging in the tent- good thing they don't have a problem being in small spaces because some of those tents are super small.








Just a few of the trails they hiked up. They estimated they hiked 26 miles. Max was happy knowing that he went the distance of a Marathon even while carrying an extra 15 lbs on his back. Not only did they hike, if you know Max of course he jumped off every rock he could find. He loves to explore, climb and jump (he always has).









The gang hanging out and all of their bags. I always love the pictures of the bags. I could not imagine living out of my bag for a week. I am sure I would try taking all my favorite snacks as well as my comforts. No wonder I have not been invited on the trip (ha ha)








Hanging out at some of the water areas. In some of these areas they swam and took their baths. Notice the snow in the back ground. Ok it was August, there is no freakin way you would catch me in water that was surrounded by snow- no thanks








In this area is where Spencer dropped his shirt. Max was held by the ankles by a bunch of the men and lowered down into the cracks to get it. He was the only one small enough- no wonder they take the kids along.









The whole group and Tyler, Nelson, Max & Spencer (all family)









Nelson & his brother Spencer













Nelson fishing













Thanks guys for letting my boys come along. These are memories they are always going to have. They love every minute of it.

Weston Family Vacation

Both my parents were raised in the Bear Lake area. My mom on the Idaho side and my dad in Laketown. Ever since I could remember each year we spent time up at Bear Lake. I have fond memories of spending time on the lake with the family. We still carry on this tradition.

Before Nelson and I were married he said he wanted to bike around Bear Lake. I asked how far it was to ride around the Lake and he replied 50 miles. I was too wrapped up in my busy mind and did not think before I spoke. I asked if that was one way or both - duh it is a circle. I figured that out pretty quick but have never lived that comment down. Hope someday that will get forgotten but after 13 years it is still brought up every time we are in Bear Lake.

We can never get enough of our vacation at Bear Lake and are super sad when the time ends. Here are some highlights of the trip. This year the boys (Nelson included) were able to try something new- Max learned to wake board (he was super excited about that), Nelson learned to wake skate and Max and Asher both learned how to skim board-
(Lonnie teaching Max and Max looking like he is a pro:)



















Asher was super brave on the diving board this year and tried many things. His favorite was the parachute (1st picture) which is basically a belly flop. I am sure he will figure out quickly that self inflicted pain is not the best, but for now it is his favorite trick. He even ventured to the back flip a few times.









My kids are fish and love spending as much time as possible in the water (Asher)



















We spent plenty of time at the park playing and climbing on everything






























Spent time playing hockey on the basketball court with the cousins. Max was an animal out there. He was playing super hard. Of course Max spent as much time as he could hanging out with Nelson.








The family








Spent hours and hours at the beach digging and playing in the sand as well as hanging out with cousins. The favorite seemed to be clogging up the slide.








Spent time at the Weston Family reunion in Laketown playing around








Of course the trip can't be complete without some adult being thrown into the water. Here is Lisa getting tossed in by Brenda and her kids.








Last but not least the big Hockey game on the basketball court. My dad decided to play and the kids had a ton of fun. Picture listed below of Asher is when he was completely done with Hockey and could not play for one more second.









Grateful for the time we get to spend each year enjoying the relaxing fun at Bear Lake.

Family Visits

Nelson and I both have 2 brothers that live out of State. We definitely do not see them enough. Over the past 2 weeks both of my brothers were in town for quick/short visits. Unfortunately I did not get pictures with my brother Mike. We were able to spend a few days with them and loved every minute of it.
My brother Greg was in from Oregon and our kids played non stop. Greg has a little girl that is 2 months younger than Max and a boy that is 5 days older than Asher. It is crazy how well the kids played together. I was not surprised when they crashed at night because they played super hard. So grateful that we belong to a family and get to spend time with them (even if it is never long enough).

Chase(5), Tristan(6) and Asher(6)








Nelson did not want to have to deal with the mess of the fire pit so we had to improvise. We ended up making smores over my dads grill. Not sure my dad was too thrilled about that but the kids sure loved it. Maybe since it was unique it will be something they will remember.
Asher and Tristan were making up dances non stop this is Asher jumping over Tristan. If you ask me Tristan is one trusting kid.









Nelson and my sister hanging out in the backyard chatting.








Max(9), Casidy(9), Taelyn(10) and Reagan(9)