Escape from the bubble

For the 4th of July weekend, we decided to go camping with our neighbors, Katie & Justin Ferrell. We went up American Fork Canyon without reservations and after a long drive up a bumpy, eroded road in our poor old car we finally found a camp site. Granted, it was one of the rockiest campsites, but it did the trick. Thankfully we had our Thermarest pads to give us some comfort.
Kimball absolutely loved it. We were right by a stream which he got to wade in and collect rocks from. The stream was loud enough that we could barely hear the countless ATVs driving by constantly. The water was freezing, but I had to practically drag Kimball out, he was having so much fun. We had tin-foil dinners, roasted marshmallows and Starbursts, had hot cocoa, and overall loved it.

Our little explorer...so serious

Me trying to escape the freezing water...eventually Kimball kicked me off the biggest rock so he could put his rock collection there.Waiting for his pants to dry and so excited about his tower

Cameron was a little trooper and only had one period of inconsolable screaming.
It was too much effort to pull out our camera, so we just stole pictures from the Ferrells (thank you!).
On the 4th, we met up with Katie's dad and hiked Timpanogos Cave. The mountains were beautiful. It was a steep hike up tons of switchbacks, which I think would have been more bearable, but I was carrying a 15 lb baby and Dale was carrying a 24 lb toddler. We made it though, and the caves were amazing. Kimball had fun until he fell asleep in Dale's arms.

On the way up

At the cave's exit.

After our hike we drove back to Provo, enjoyed some Wendy's dollar items and unloaded the car. Later we ate Quesadillas, 7 layer bean dip and patriotic Jell-O. We were too exhausted to attempt going to watch Stadium of Fire fireworks, but we could see some from our apartment and enjoyed some smaller fireworks that the Ferrells had bought.

That night, as we were praying with Kimball before bedtime, I was reminded what this day was truly about. It hit me quite suddenly how many lives have been lost for me to enjoy all of the blessings that I have been the recipient of. I thought about my ancestors who have not only served this wonderful country, but other countries, protecting their homes, families and freedom...what they felt was worth risking their lives for. I was reminded of the many weekends I spent without my dad who was training with the Army, and all of the birthdays he missed. Despite all of those times, I would never change how I grew up because I grew up feeling safe, knowing that my dad was out there protecting me. I can never thank him enough for the sacrifice he has made to give me that feeling of security. I'm so proud to be the daughter of such a brave man.