The One Where Zak & Shaylee Got Engaged

Our family loves going camping and Zak has especially been looking forward to it.  Normally we try to avoid the crowds and go the weekend after Memorial Day.  But Layne's nephew, Clayton, is leaving for his mission in August and doesn't get a lot of time off from work.  So we decided to go on Memorial Day weekend, despite the dismal forecast.  

Zak also had envisioned in his mind that this is when he would propose to Shaylee.  He had talked to her dad several weeks before hand and everything else with the engagement was going forward.  They had the temple reserved, wedding planner and colors selected.  He just had to make it official with the ring.   He wanted to take Shaylee to the top of the mountain in the Sawmill mountain range.  It is a beautiful view where you can see for hundreds of miles in every direction.  

We got there late Thursday night, and Shaylee's family came even later, arriving at about 12:30 a.m.  The next morning we woke up to snow and drizzle.  But Zak didn't let this get in the way of his plan.  They took the four wheeler up the mountain.   He didn't get to the top like he wanted.  

 
But I think based on the smile on her face, she didn't really care.

The "proposal fairy" put this basket together for them.  How many times can you incorporate your wedding colors into your proposal?   It is a good thing the fairy took a picture before hand because it didn't look this pretty by the time it was unpacked at the end of the ride :/

The strawberries didn't arrive in tact but the most important bling did...

When Zak and Shaylee came riding back into camp she had the biggest smile on her face.  I am sure she was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to get the job done.

 If it weren't for the proposal, this camping trip would definitely be remembered for the snow, snow and more snow.  Zak fashioned himself a "Hefty" wetsuit.  And Shaylee hates having her picture taken so she conveniently is looking away in most of these pictures.  I am going to have to do something about that.

Only true love would put up with camping in this kind of weather.

What did I say about true love....?

Shaylee's brother, Ridge, was desperate to get cell phone service.  He climbed this 50 foot tree with no luck, but entertained everyone sitting around the fire.

Most of this trip was spend around the fire or in the trailers.  This is Shaylee's brother Ridge, Mom holding sister Skye, Zak, Shaylee, and sister Sage.

A little blurry, but more campers.  Vonell's niece, Camilla or Milly, her friend Brianna, Tanner, Karlee, Shaylee's dad, Jason and brother Ryker

These brothers love camping together!

This is what we woke up to Sunday morning.  We think we probably got eight to ten inches over the whole weekend.  Crazy, but still better than being rained on.

The worst part was how mucky and muddy it got especially around the campfire.

The snow didn't stop all the fun.  The kids all went out on a few four wheeler rides.  And the big boys got one short ride in Friday before the weather really got bad.  But they didn't take their normal day long ride on Saturday.

Our sissy bulldog, Crash, came along for the trip.  And this sissy mom even let him sleep in the camper.  He spent most of his time here under the table.

Did I mention it was really really muddy?  Thank heaven for a linoleum kitchen in the camper.

On Monday morning the storm finally broke and we saw blue sky.  Layne and  I went for a little walk and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings.  I was amazed at the cool picture that nature can create.  This tree feel and lodged itself between two trees.  And the stump in front created a wall of moss next to the creek.   

A view from the other side of the stump.  This camper has seen better days!

Layne got his Father's day gift early, a helmet camera.  Then he didn't end up using it because they didn't go on their long ride, and he has to figure out how to use it.  I guess I should have made him wait after all.

As I said, even during the day, most of the time was spent around the campfire.  But that isn't necessarily a bad thing.  That is were some of the best conversations happen.

So we survived it and were glad to get to know the Riley family.  We know if they can survive a snow filled camp out and still have a good attitude that they must be okay!