We spent the last three days camping near Tropic Reservoir with Becca's side of the family. I took half a day off work Thursday. We got to the site at about 3:30. It took us about two hours to get there. There was road construction that held us up at times. We greeted those who were already there and then setup our tent, sleeping bags, etc.
We each took our own dinner. We roasted some gourmet tube steaks over the open fire. We also had chips, veggies and cookies.
The activity that night was "The Big Dig", where we all took turns, by age group, jumping into a box of wood chips searching for quarters, candy and toys. We all met together under the pavilion for a devotional and to listen to some cowboy poetry. The poetry reminded me of a favorite poem of mine:
I Wish My Daddy Was a Dog
One day, when Bruce was just a lad, starting out in school,
He came into my workshop and climbed upon a stool.
I saw him as he entered, but I hadn't time to play
So I merely nodded to him and said, "Don't get in the way."
He sat a while just thinking---as quiet as could be.
Then carefully he got down and came and stood by me.
He said, "Old Shep, he never works and he has lots of fun.
He runs around the meadows and barks up at the sun.
"He chases after rabbits and always scares the cats.
He likes to chew on old shoes, and sometimes Mother's hats.
But when we're tired of running, we sit down on a log;
I sometimes get to thinking--I wish Daddy was a dog.
" 'Cause then, when I come home from school, he'd run and lick my hand
And we would jump and holler and tumble in the sand.
And then I'd be happy, as happy as could be.
'Cause we would play the whole day through, just my dad and me.
"Now I know you work real hard to buy us food and clothes.
And you need to get the girls those fancy ribbons and bows.
But sometimes, when I'm lonesome, I think it would be lots of fun
If my daddy was dog, and all his work was done."
Now when he'd finished speaking, he looked so lonely there
I reached my hand out to him and ruffled up his hair.
And as I turned my head aside to brush away a tear,
I thought how nice it was to have my son so near.
I know the Lord didn't mean for man to toil his whole life through
"Come on, my son, I'm sure I have some time for you."
You should have seen the joy and sunlight in his eye
As we went outside to play--just my son and I.
Now, as the years have flown and youth has slipped away.
I've tried always to remember to allow some time to play.
When I pause to reminisce and think of joys and strife,
I carefully turn the pages of this wondrous book of life.
I find the richest entry recorded in this daily log
Is the day that small boy whispered. "I wish my Daddy was a dog."
Elrod C. Leany
Friday morning we had flavored oatmeal, muffins, pineapple and strawberries for breakfast.
After breakfast we played a bunch of games including eating a donut on a string, passing a wooden spoon tied to yarn through our shirts, hitting golf balls through pvc pipe, roping a steer, bubble gum blowing, acting like wild animals and stick horse races.
For lunch we chowed down on some tasty sloppy joes, apples and chips.
In the afternoon we played horseshoes, snacked, visited and snacked a tiny bit more. We also managed to squeeze in a couple innings of wiffle ball.
Friday night's dinner consisted of scrumptious hot dogs, watermelon, cantaloupe and grapes. Followed by perfectly browned marshmallows.
Before it was time to retire to bed we played our home-made instruments to a couple of songs, had a sow calling contest and then a another devotional.
This morning we woke our taste-buds to mouth-watering breakfast burritos, milk and orange juice.
Before we ate lunch we took down our tents and packed our vehicles before we headed out. Funny how they're just as full when you leave as when you come, anyone else have that problem?
For lunch we enjoyed chicken pasta salad with cashews and craisins, rolls and rice-crispy treats.
The kids spent much of the reunion playing in a grassy field nearby. We cleaned up the place, said our "goodbye's" and headed out.
It was a quick three days of fun with the family.
P.S. This post even has pictures, you know who you are :)
