Last week was just one of those weeks where me and the kids REALLY needed to get out of the house. So Friday night after dinner and after I pulled myself back together, we decided it would be a good idea for all of us to head to the Uintas. And boy, did we need it!
We first went to Trial Lake and had a picnic in our van and then headed off to fish. There was a school of fish that swam so close to the shore, it was as if they were just teasing us. None of them nipped at the hook even as it was pulled through them a few times.
We moved to the rocky shores where Grey fell into the water. It wasn't deep at all, but he didn't like it. This similar incident happened to Jaina up here about 3 years ago. It's becoming a tradition.
Jon was telling the kids before we left that he would catch them salamanders in the ponds up there. And Daddy doesn't break a promise. He spent quite a while searching for some until all our kids had one.
They loved them and were so good about giving them "baths" in the water to keep their skin moist.
They were so cute, we decided to bring them home! (not just the kids, but the salamanders, too)
Then daddy fished at Crystal lake while the kids played with their new pets and I enjoyed the beauty surrounding us.
Jon even gave Hunter a lesson on fishing and now he is hooked. I think Jon is proud!
The kids made nature bracelets with duct tape, flowers, leaves and it looks like a sunflower seed shell left from a previous fisherman.
Jon even gave Jaina a lesson on fishing, but she thought that was boring.
Grey got a turn as well, but Jon decided it wouldn't be a good idea if Grey hooked someone with his wild movements.
Our family. All 8 of us, and soon to be 9.
And on the way home, we ate at Jon's favorite stop after he's gone backpacking with his brothers and dad- Oakley Polar King. The burgers and shakes were delicious!
Yesterday was a much better day since we had gotten out over the weekend. That is until Hunter yelled downstairs to me that something sad had happened.
One of the salamanders had died. It was Grey's and come to find out, you should never leave a 3 year old unsupervised with a small animal. I won't go into details, but lets just say the day before, he tried to take his salamander to church... in his little pant pocket.
So last night for family home evening, we knew what to talk about. The plan of salvation... and being nice to animals.
We buried the little guy near the swamp on the outside of our property.
The kids were sad. Hunter said that when Jesus comes again, we'll be able to see our pet again and Grey for some reason thinks he is going to come back to life soon.
Farewell little salamander. You will be missed.
