Camp Time, Reunion Style

This year we headed back to the Westcastle area for the Beattie reunion. It's just so pretty up there and free, who doesn't love free. Super wet this year with a lot of flooding so it was great that we were able to get a spot that was accessable and not too muddy.
It was rainy when we got there but everyone pitched in and got a huge tarp up that got everything covered up for us and the kids didn't even seem to notice. I just made sure they were in warm clothes and thankfully Ryan's mom made a costco run for me in Lethbridge and was able to pick up Brayden a rain jacket. With the crazy Calgary flood and constant rain, everything rain gear was sold out in Calgary. I went to so many stores throughout Airdrie and Calgary and couldn't find Brayden a jacket that would keep him dry this weekend.
Friday morning we got down to business early. Things were damp and there was a good cloud cover but the rain had lighted up and it looked like the sun had a fighting chance to break through those clouds. We brought Banks with us so Ryan got up pretty early to take him to pee and for a walk before he started getting anxious and woke anyone up. As people started waking up things started to happen; an archery target was set up and the kids started riding on their bikes and quads around a good loop right by camp so we could keep an eye on them.

Banks loved all the attention he was getting from the cousins who were brave enough. It seems as though I have a few nieces and nephews who are a little scared of dogs. Considering Banks is only a few months old but still huge I can understand when this bigger bundle of energy that is your size comes at you with a huge tongue that could be scary. Banks did great though and even let some of them pull on his ears. He seems to put up with a lot more rough love from smaller kids, when the older kids would bug him he would just leave and go find a spot to lay down. Sometimes I feel like doing the same thing.
Pretty soon after breakfast we tried to get the kids a little cleaned up so we could take a family picture. We've decided to try to get this big family shot out of the way the first morning so we don't look like we just camped all weekend long, greasy and exhausted. I think this idea is genius even though I still look greasy and tired, at least it's better then 2 more full days of camp on me.

The kids were kept busy with their toys and when things started to slow down we would do some game or activity someone had planned. One of those was this great swimming spot down by the river. There was a tree swing and the water was so clean and beautiful. We took advantage of a sunny period and went for a few hours.

We just barely beat this mini rain storm back to camp! Brayden ended up keeping his swimming gear on since he was just going to stay wet in the rain anyway. The clouds were dark and looked a scary for a little bit but, like the other night, it passed and we were able to get out some other activities to do.

The last morning when I got up to take Banks for a little walk it was so beautiful. All the moisture clung to the earth and the sun was spreading through the mist promising a beautiful day. Ryan had prepared a Sunday School lesson for the adults while Grandma took the kids. We ate our lunch and packed up camp before saying our goodbyes and heading home.
Another great family reunion!