Family Fun Camp - Belly River

This year we planned a Family Fun Camp out and it was a blast! Tons of friends were invited. Some we didn't know but still actually did know in a round about way. Its a small world. We went to Belly River Campground which is just outside of Waterton. 

We left Lethbridge while it was still under a Tornado Warning. There were even some pretty intense spinny/funnel clouds right outside our house. We even got a bit of hail! We checked the weather and where we were going there was no storm so off we went. Sure enough true to southern alberta fashion as soon as we got further over to the south side of Lethbridge the storm was gone and just beautiful blue skies!

We got to the campground later than we planned but still not the last ones there. We set up and just waited around till others showed up. That night was mostly spent getting settled in and kids to bed. We chatted around the fire for a bit but the rain showed up and we all ran for cover and to our beds.

Saturday morning we ate breakfast and lazed around. It was still kinda grey and drizzly out but nothing to wet. 

Built a little play pen corner for the babies.

Max wanted in.

Dana pole dancing.. haha

 After Breakfast and lunch we loaded up and hit the road to Waterton. We really wanted to do a hike but it was just POURING. So we scratched that off the list and went into the town by Cameron Falls. It wasn't raining down there so we hiked up that little trail they had. Sean, Max, and Kolton had a great time hiking it by themselves.

This picture cracks me up

 After Waterton we talked with Lindsey and Brad and we went to Some ghetto little place and ate the best mexican food I have had in a while. Oh my goodness it was great! Definite ghetto building but so so good.

We got back to our camp site and the Sun a shinning and games a playing! This one Dana and Carl brought was a hit. Sean had a great time cheering Chelsea, Dana, Sara and Kalina on.

Campfire fun

Sean is so sweet with all the little kids! 

Sean showing me how to play

SOFT TACO!

 That night was a fun one! Kids went to bed and we got to sit around the fire visiting. As we sat around visiting we could hear kids screaming and crying but couldn't figure out which kids they were. Lo and behold they were mine yelling and standing in the window screaming let me out!!! Quite hilarious. Got them back in bed and then got to enjoy a good time around the fire. Someone counted and I think there were 20 adults or so. Great times.

Sunday we all got up and a few people decided to go to church in Waterton. There were a few of us "heathens" who didn't go and instead went and hiked Blakiston Falls.

feeding the little birdies

 Blakiston is a good short hike (1km). It was nice because the older boys hiked it themselves and Max did a little. But its easy enough that those of us carrying kids aren't dying either. Though a part of me still wants to do a bigger hike. :)

enjoying his time in the corner 

Max was having fun making him laugh

 After dinner and things settled down we went and found the River behind our campsite. It was beautiful. A little cold for me though. Only Dan and Harlen jumped in. Crazies. The rest of us just laughed at them as they tried to convince us it was nice. HA!

these boys could throw rocks in the water all day!

Max sat in the mud and had to have a little bath of his own.

 Sunday night the majority of people had to pack up and leave. So the fire that night there were only 4 families left. We saw a storm coming so we packed up and chilled in the camp kitchen that night. Even though we didn't get that much rain. It fooled us. Carl made us some mountain pies and we just relaxed and finally went to bed when some of us started dozing in the camp kitchen.

Monday we all pitched in the last of food for Breakfast. Dan and I made it while everyone else packed and then after breakfast everyone helped us pack up. It was a pretty good arrangement.
It was a fun campout we had and hopefully we can make it a kind of annual thing. well worth it!

our view from the campsite

everyone that came.

Kalina&Brad Fleming(soon to be), Lindsey&Brad Prince, Sara and Lane (missed the last name), Amy&Dallon Martin, Chelsea&Ryan Barfuss, Laura&Harlan Lenzen, Carl and Dana Holland, Kai&Katie Yee, and US!

On our way home we had quite the adventure. This black thing came right at our window. I ducked (even though i was in the car) and it smoked us. and got caught under our topper.

 Nice big Crane like bird. Poor thing..

So much fun and can't wait to do it all again another year!