Throwing Rocks in the River

That was my son's favorite part about our recent outing this weekend. Every May, our church has a "Fathers and Sons" outing, where we go camping, talk about the Priesthood, eat good food, and generally have an enjoyable time together. I enjoy the chance to spend some time with my brethren and friends, and also my son. This is the third year I've taken him, and he really seemed to enjoy himself.

The outing is an overnighter. We drove up, stopping to pick up some hot dogs and french fries on the way (I'm not quite ready yet to cook at the place. It's easier to let someone else do it for now). We got there and had our dinner. . .well, at least I did. My son's way of eating his hot dog was to take one bite out of the bun, and then run off to explore and play for awhile. That was no problem, as it gave me time to eat in peace, chat a bit, and put up our tent.

The campsite was up Hobble Creek Canyon, at Balsam Campground. The group camping area is very close to a small stream, which Jayson loved. We walked down the path a short ways to a bridge. He eagerly crossed the bridge, and found some rocks to throw in the river.

Later in the evening, we were able to have some S'mores prior to the evening program. A couple of the brethren had brought enough to share. Jayson was mainly interested in the marshmallows and graham crackers. I was able to cook a nearly perfect marshmallow. I almost lost it in the flames due to its softness, and it did squish out all four sides when I put it between the graham crackers, but alas, it wasn't quite golden brown enough. What can I say? When it comes to S'mores, I'm a perfectionist. But it's the closest to a perfect marshmallow that I've had in a long time.

Jayson got to stay up well past his bedtime, but he still wasn't too thrilled about going to sleep. I finally calmed him down by laying down and resting him on my chest. He's big enough that I won't be able to do that much longer. It was also a good reminder that my big son is still a very little boy, not even three years old yet (although he's getting close). He slept like a rock after that. I didn't sleep as well, but at least I didn't sleep on any rocks. :)

When we got up the next morning, Brother Swenson was already there preparing breakfast for everyone. Jayson and I both enjoyed the pancakes. We went and threw rocks in the river again for a little while before I took down the tent and prepared to go home. Jayson was a good little helper. When, I took the sleeping bags up to the car, he came behind me, carrying one of the pillows. Unfortunately, the pants I brought for him are still a little bit too big for him (and I don't say that very often when it comes to his clothes!). They came loose halfway across the parking lot. As I was putting the sleeping bags in the trunk, I heard Jayson say, "Daddy, my pants!" I turned around to see him holding the pillow with both hands, and with his pants down to his knees, exposing his diaper. Once I was through chuckling, I helped him with his pants.

I'm glad that I have the opportunity once a year to share this special time with my son. It also gives my wife and my girls a chance to spend a special "girl's night" with Grandma Chris, which I know they look forward to.