Calf Creek

Since its been weeks of sickness, both me and Joe's wierd anthrax breathing disease, (not really anthrax but he did get a strange breathing sickness), we decided we need a change of scenery. So we loaded up the car, literally stuffed to the top with gear and went camping in Utah with my brother Jason and his family. We went to Calf Creek, a great spot by the grand staircase national monument outside Ecalante. It is filled with childhood memories because we went there every year for many years until the adults in our family decided to ditch it for another camp ground with the luxury of flushing toilets. It was great to be in the outdoors even though I sware I didn't sleep any of the nights we were there and instead listened to the symphany of snoring all around me. Theres something healing in nature; having no restrictions with the kids, having no commitments or possessions to distract us. We just enjoyed the scenery and the conversation. We loved the river that runs through the camp and I think one night, Jason, Joe and Joe's brother Andy, even took advantage of it 'European style' if you know what I mean. I attempted the 6-mile hike to the amazing 126 foot waterfall, but due to Dr restrictions couldn't complete it. But the rest of the group, with kids hanging off the front and back, treked through the thick sand and heat to enjoy a swim in the falls. Jason and I marveled at how my parents hauled all 6 of us kids up the trail every year. It really is an amazing sight in the middle of the desert. Unfortunatley in the ton of gear we brought the camera didn't make it. That was a big bummer. We officially suck at preserving our memories, I guess until next year, as I'm deciding I'd like to make the Calf Creek trip an annual thing.

We got home late last night and instead of folding the 10 loads of laundry filling up my living room, the kids and I decided to make cup cakes instead. This memory I decided to preserve since I've committed to being better at taking pictures from this day forward. The girls have always loved baking with me. Since they were very little they have sat on the counter and been little chefs.