Monday, July 5, 2010

Camping Over the Fourth

We have a lovely time up at the French Meadows Reservoir near Tahoe over the Fourth of July. There has been so much rain this year that it was so green and the river was higher than it has been in the past. It was a great mix of food, friends, dirt and nature.



Uncle Drew joined us and brought up bread and cheese to go along with the wine (notice the mud pie in the foreground -- that was a nice addition, too.)


This boy LOVES bread and cheese. Offer him dessert and he'll be interested, but offer him bread and cheese and he is sure to clean his plate at dinner.
 

Magpie helping Moose and BiggiE prepare the mud pie.
 

Our bathing beauty took to camping like a champ. I was concerned about keeping her warm enough in the tent, but she was snug as bug and slept great. She loved the dirt, the water and all the older kids to play with.
 

Magpie holding court.
 

"Molly Goose" reading to the children.
 

It is a great thing to have a foodie husband with foodie friends. These guys cooked up amazing meals (camping or no camping). We had paella one night, carne asada, homemade pancakes, grilled homemade pizza -- truly unbelievable. If I were in charge of the meals it would be burgers and dogs. I'm glad they love the cooking and take care of it all. One guy even brought up his machine that makes sparkling water. Hilarious.
 





Our friend, Jim, is always a entertaining the younger set. He is affectionately known as Uncle Jim by the kids.
 

Ah... a campfire. I could sit by a fire for hours. (And, yes, if you are wondering, one family brought all natural marshmallows and Ghirardelli chocolate for s'mores.)