Lakes Basin

I have had a fairly insane schedule at work this summer and with kids camps and activities, Tob on fires, and going to a week long conference in colorado has made doing much of anything impossible, so when we had 4 solid days together (minus dad unfortunately) we planned our annual backpacking trip.  This year we headed up to the Lakes Basin in hopes of the kids climbing eagle cap, which you can clearly see in the background.

We really enjoy having friends come along so this year we invited Katie to join us for Lex and then had some friends from La Grande (Korrie and Cody) come over and meet up with us on day two so Nojah and I had friends too.  The hike is 7 miles in to mirror lake where we camped and this is where they opted to take their lunch break 1/2 way in.

This is probably one of my favorite photo's of the trip.  Katie and Lex are truly just the best of friends.  Here the girls had soaked their hair in the river on a break and then Lex brushed Katie's hair out for her.  Pretty cute.

  On day 2 we were super excited when Korrie and Cody arrived and we all had our friends. 

 The next day after that was the start of our adventure up to Eagle Cap (the center of the eagle cap wilderness, which sits at roughly 9600 ft).  Korrie and I have both been up there multiple times but were excited for the kids to have the experience.

This is just one of the gorgeous views near the top looking down the East fork drainage that we hiked in.  Check out the awesome blue green glacial puddle we saw along the way.

They climbed about 2500 feet in 2.5 miles in about an hour and a half and thought the views of the wilderness were totally worth it.  Nojah claims he arrived at the top about 15 or 20 min ahead of the rest of us, which is probably true.  After they had enough of the views, photos, and inhaled their lunches, they scurried off to play hide and seek in the small area of trees.

Overlooking Glacier lake

Just love these girls

Instead of going down the same we came up we thought it would be more interesting to go off trail and make a loop down to glacier lake and back around to camp.  The kids loved all the glissading and playing along the way.  Snow is always a bonus in August!

Glacier was a much larger lake than I thought.  I have never been there and now it's definitely on my favorites list.  

The kids enjoyed skipping rocks with their slingshots in the lake.

and the dogs enjoyed napping.

The gorgeous morning views from our campsite.  The reason I backpack.  It's always hard to come home.

and a picture of the moms, for proof we were there.

Playing catch-up so there are some newer posts if you are interested in scrolling back some.  I have at least one or two more to add over the next week too :-)

Great start to fair week

Lex has been working with Barley since Nov/Dec to get him ready for this particular day.  Prior to this they have competed in 2 other shows and she attends Dog 4H meetings (some with him, some without) once a week.  He has tried her patience for sure and up until yesterday she was adamant that she would NOT be doing 4H again next year.  Afterall, I am the ONLY parent in the group that HAS to stay with their child to control their dog in each and EVERY 4H meeting we attend.

Luckily for all involved yesterday's competition went fairly well, compared to how they have previously done.  Barley hung in there for showmanship which was new for him.  Previously he pulled her out of the ring and they weren't able to compete.

This didn't mean he didn't still occasionally stick his nose up other dogs butts, however he did chose to do it when the judge must not have been looking because they earned a first place ribbon.  Anna and Rowan (the dog Barley can't get enough of) earned grand champion.  Well deserved I must say for putting up with that.

By far the best part about fair is spending time with your friends.

and visiting with the cousins, aunts, grandmas and grandpas who come to watch.

Lex's favorite competition by far was costume.

 and we are pleased to announce she and Barley won "GRAND CHAMPION" for her florence nightingale and non-compliant patient costumes.  WAHOO Lex and Barley.  The cowgirl boots were a nice touch to the outfit as well. 

So in all she won a blue 1st place ribbon for showmanship, a white 3rd place ribbon for obedience, reserve champion light purple ribbon for agility and Grand Champion, dark purple ribbon for Costume.  Barley must have heard Lex didn't want to bring him back to see all his friends so he was on his best behavior.  Now, I think she wants to continue to work with him and give it another shot next year.  It's been exhausting for all of us and we are glad to be done, but proud of them for what they accomplished together.

After the show, Lex, my mom and I went hiking while the boys went golfing.  Then we had a nice dinner together in Joseph while Barley passed out under the table.  It was a great start to our fair week.  Next week is Medusa's big debut with small animal showmanship and agility.  Should be great fun.