The NO deer hunt!

We went up to Vernal for the Deer hunt (as we do every year) with the Thomas Family. It is such a great time as long as nobody shoots poor Bambi... This year was a success in my book. The kids had a great time playing outside, riding the 4 wheelers, and fishing. Gracie caught a few fish and a baby snake with the help of Aubrey. eeww! The forest fairies showed up this year again and Natalie told the kids ghost stories... the children were mesmerized...very enchanting! All the kids came away with a bag full of goodies and a very charming mini ghost lantern. We love sitting by the campfire at night while the kids are tucked in the trailers with their chocolate milk and movies! We had a great time and the weather was wonderful!

I guess I should note that the very next weekend was the elk hunt and my sweet dear husband happened to kill one of those beautiful animals. This is his second elk in two years... we all know Ernie! This one Gracie named Elmo but later changed his name to something else that I can't remember now. Anyway, Jake was lucky and shot a six point elk on public property and a general tag. I am not happy about it but he is proud. I think this one will have to live in the garage.

*Forest Fairies*

Forest Fairies are real... we know, we felt their magic!

Have you ever heard of Forest Fairies? I hadn't until our last camping trip. Who knew that their magic was so real? Not me.... until now!

As night fell upon us up high up in the mountains, Natalie gathered all the children together. She told them all to get a flashlight for the Forest Fairies had come. Once all the children had flashlights and a sack for goodies the tale began.

The forest fairies had left Natalie (Jake's Great Aunt) a note earlier in the day. All the children at our camp were good kids so the fairies came and left great things for them. Natalie led the way, she carried a lantern and each time that she would set her lantern down, the kids were to shine their flashlights up into the trees to catch a glimpse of the Fairies. They were everywhere. We heard them flying through the trees and they led us to places where treats were left. The children were mesmerized. Actually, I think that everyone was mesmerized, it was a beautiful thing.

As we started walking through the forest, listening for the fairies, we saw glimmers through the trees and each time this happened there were treats left for each of the children. This went on for a long time. The kids were so into it... they were very quiet throughout the entire adventure. It was magical! Thank you Forest Fairies, we hope you come back again.

Natalie with the kids gathered around for the tale of the Forest Fairies.

This was taken just before the magical adventure began!
Notice the flashlights.