The Olson Family: Camping at Icehouse

We just returned from our annual Hansen family camping trip to Icehouse. We had such a great time! This was our first camping trip with Riley and she did pretty well. Sleeping was a minor issue, but overall the girl was as happy as ever. We never could have managed without the help of the family though, so thanks to everyone who walked the girls, sang to them, played with them, etc...!!!
We headed out on Saturday morning with a stop in Lodi for a family birthday celebration and an overnight stay at the Flag City RV Park. On Sunday morning we drove the rest of the way to the campground. No showers, pit toilets, and lots of dirt make for a fun, but truly "roughing it" trip. Though most of us did have a trailer or RV so I guess we did have some bit of luxury! :) Scott and Janet and Kelci and Melissa are the true campers. They camped out "old school" in tents, even after the bear sightings.

Here are some of the highlights of our trip:
1. Beautiful weather - God is great!
2. Fishing - we (I should say, not I because I did not fish) caught 7 fish!! I believe they were caught by Scott, Janet, Jaron, Kelci, Grandpa, and my dad.
3. Songs around the campfire brought to us by Uncle Scott on the guitar.
4. Dutch oven cake for Aunt Janet's birthday! Yummy!!
5. A tri-tip stealing bear. Yes, Jaron had 2 tri tips on the BBQ and with 5 minutes to go, he left to take Avery fishing and gave me instructions to take them off and wrap them in foil. So, my mom took them off, wrapped them up, and set them on the picnic table. It was just past dark, probably 9:15 or so, and everyone was sitting around the campfire. All of a sudden, we heard dogs barking and loud thumping. Lucy (my parents' dog) had charged the bear, but was on her tie out so could only go so far. A few of us ran over and saw that the meat was missing. My uncle Scott found one tri tip not far away from the table and then he and my dad went looking down the hill with flashlights in search of the bear. Not too smart, I must say. They found the foil not too far away and my dad saw the juvenile bear!! Jaron and Avery pulled up just after the chaos. He was bummed about the tri tip, but more bummed he missed the action! And yes, we did partake of the dropped tri tip and it was super good!!!
Here are some pics of the fun...

Great Grandma and Avery singing "This Little Light of Mine"

Roger with his massive log. He has found one both years and barks at it nonstop.

Aunt Janet blowing out her candles on top of the yummy white cake with chocolate frosting.

Aunt Karen and Riley. She was able to rock Riley to sleep so I could go enjoy some time at the Lake. Yahoo for great Aunties!

Maddy out for a float.

Mom and Riley, all clean after an outdoor shower!

Lucy and Roger had such a good time chasing sticks and swimming. Roger has not moved much since we got home. I think that was his exercise for the year.