Eli's First Campout, and our first with my family in 6 years!

Justin and I went on a hike that turned out to be grueling, but well worth it. We didn't have a trail map so we had no idea how far we had to go to get to anything. Turns out we hiked an hour and 20 minutes up a rocky trail without finding anything. Enjoyed our PB2 sandwiches and some Cheetos and came back down. Great time together!

My parents have been refurbishing this 12 ft trailer and had it ready enough for us to be the first to use it. It has a full size bed, sink, icebox, 3 burners and a stove, closet, some cabinets and a booth with two benches. Yes, we trekked to the outhouse when needed and bummed my parents' shower! Time ran out on getting the outside fixed and painted, but I can't wait to see it completely done. Most of the work was due to the trailer being shot up by someone before they acquired it.

Eli is sporting his camo with an inchworm that says "Inching Along". Well, he's not quite yet, but he made the most of his trip! He loves the outdoors and was fascinated with the campfires. Since we were a little cramped for space in our trailer, he slept in his pack 'n play in my parents trailer. We were definitely on vacation!

Eli kicked back in Papa's chair. He was content to just chill and watch Justin or Kelly chop wood, watch the campfire, or Jared and Tyler playing baseball.

***Thanks to Amy for the winter clothes for Eli! What a blessing!

We were camping in the Agua Piedra campground between Tres Ritos and Sipapu, NM. There were no electricity or water hookups so we haul water and run a generator when necessary. Otherwise, we rely on sunlight, flashlights and propane. Ah, the time went so fast, even though it was 8 days. Pan fried potatoes, s'mores, Justin's dutch oven peach cobbler, grilled corn on the cob, and so much more wonderful stuff to eat. We'll be going back next August if anyone wants to come!

Our group included Justin, Eli and myself, my parents, my brother Kelly and his wife Teresa and two boys Jared and Tyler, along with a family that Kelly knows from Oklahoma, and a two day visit from Bill and Wanda who are long time friends of our family from NM.

Great times, and I can't wait to do it all over again!

One Hundred and Seven

By Justin

107, that was the high temperature yesterday. We set a new daily high temperature and an new overnight low high temperature as well. If this keeps up I am moving to Phoenix with Dan and Margo, at least they know to expect it.

I know it is August in Texas, but still, 107? I am sure this has to do with the ice cap breaking in Canada or Gore’s book, but it is still extremely H-O-T. Today the high is to be 106 before a tropical depression slams poor Louisiana and we drop to 97. Hold on for that cold snap.

To beat the heat, Holly, Eli and I will be headed to the mountains of Northern New Mexico for a week on Friday. The high temperature there yesterday was 75. I’ll take it.