Martin's Cove

The Tolman Family Reunion this year was at Martin's Cove over the 4th of July weekend. We had a lot of fun, mostly it was fun to be with family. These pictures aren't in order of the trip.

Martin's Cove:

We walked into the actual cove on Sunday after church. We went back on Monday to see some of the visitor's centers and try our hand at pushing a cart. After we returned our handcart, we discovered these miniature carts for the kids to try pulling - aren't they adorable?

Zion is this way!

I thought Adam was so cute trying to help pull the handcart when he could barely reach.

Back inside the Cove and hiking into the cove. Leslie loved being carted around in the backpack. She was up high enough she had a good view of things. She was constantly turned around trying to talk to those who were behind or peeking around to see who was in front.

Monday we also hiked to Devil's Gate.

Sunday after we hiked into the Cove, we made a stop at Independence Rock. This was the kid's favorite part of the trip. There's nothing like a great big rock to climb around on and explore. For those of you who haven't had the chance to go, Independence Rock is the rock you see behind us in the first picture. The next one is of our group beginning to explore.

Adam loved to find little "chairs" in the rock for us to take a rest on.

Rocky Ridge: Saturday we hiked most of Rocky Ridge. Because of time constraints (and little children) most of us turned back before we got to the top. Grandpa, Uncle Mike, Josh, and Kyler all made it to the top. They have some great picture from the top - but they are on Mike's camera. The first picture is part of our group as they begin the hike up. The next two are almost halfway to the upper monument. Despite what it looks like - Josh was not the only one who packed that little Darlin' around on his back the whole time.

The cutest little pioneer and the cutest little hiker. :)

Rock Creek Hollow: We were able to watch a youth trek come into camp after a 14 mile hike that day. The kids loved their own personal little "parade". It was fun cheer them on and welcome them to camp.

Friday at Rock Creek Hollow Campground (near the Willie Handcart Rescue Site) the kids had their first go at pulling hand cart - and pulling grandpa in the handcart. Too bad I don't have a great picture of that one. The kids also got to sit and listen to the missionaries tell stories.

South Pass City: We made a quick run through of the historic town of South Pass. The kids got to explore a tepee and walk through and old general store.

Around Camp: Leslie got into the trailer and packed these three juice boxes with her for awhile. She had quite the time keeping all three in her possession as she walked around camp.

This is our camp at Missionary Campground. We were awakened to quite the thunder and lightning storm (one like I've never seen) about 5:00 a.m. that brought some hail with it. This was the morning of July 4th. There's nothing like "bombs" bursting in air all around you when you are camping in a tent. The most amazing part of the whole storm was that both our kids slept through the whole thing - even our tent leaking. They were tired kiddos from all the hiking and playing they were doing.

Coral and Brooke both had birthdays while we were up there. They were gracious enough to let Adam in on the festivities since he had not been able to celebrate his birthday with the Tolman side of the family yet.

Leslie is not much of a traveler, but there are certain things they she will calmly ride in a carseat for - twinkies! Thanks Mike for hauling us around. The rest of the grandkids got to ride in Grandma and Grandpa's new van. They loved being able to ride together.