4th - WY

The 4th was full of highs and lows…We got out of dodge and went camping with Jonathans family up near Lander WY. Having been there before I knew where we were headed and that the boys would have a great time. The camp site was near a little lake and there would be lots of exploring to do.

Saturday night we decided to go into town to see the fireworks. Now this isn’t the cities fireworks display- no- it was a private residence( a dentist and member of the church) who puts on this show. It seems that the entire town of Lander is in attendance…missionaries man the free ice cream and watermelon handouts, hundreds if not thousands of people gather on this mans property for the show. It lasted several hours with a reenactment of some 18th centry redcoats and militia men demonstrations, full on history lesson, flag raising, prayer and a good hour at least of fireworks. I must say…the fireworks in all was the best ive ever seen. I kept thinking- how in the world could this man afford what must have been a half a million dollar display? Im sure there are lots of donations, but still it was unbelievable!

We literally were seated right under the fireworks- could feel the heat from the explosions and I felt on more than one occasion while watching, how lucky we were to be there.

While Saturday was a good day- Sunday things took a turn for the worse…it seemed as if the mosquitos decided to hatch and swarm with vengeance intent on eating us alive. No matter how much deet that was sprayed there were always at least a dozen or more mosquitos around your head buzzing or biting. We took the boys who were restless and not very happy to town again for some McDonalds and a quick hike. However back at camp things never got better. We ate dinner quickly and I took refuge in the tent as soon as possible with the kids and missed out on some good campfire chats.

By Monday am I think everyone had enough of the bugs and while die hard campers we are, we had reached our limit. We quickly packed up camp and headed home. It was good to be back in the comfort of our own beds that night especially after a sad incident of Elijiah having a headache and getting sick…..

All in all, some good memories, but next time I think we will wait a little longer in the season before heading back to that particular spot…..