The Summer of 2012 AKA the summer of GROWING UP

In an earlier post I talked about the boys outgrowing the little Honda 90.  This wasn't as an emotional day for me as the day we sold the Honda 50 motorcycle.  Let me set this up so all the moms who folllow my blog can understand.
The year was 2000; life at the Leatherow how was well simple. We had the two girls still living with us and I had just welcomed our little G home.  We were also a family who was just starting to get into riding  - four wheelers and motorcycles.  Tom's friend told us Newgate Honda was having a sale on last years model of the Honda 50  we were both so excited.  So we (just Tom and I) jumped in the truck and away we went.  We both knew our boys would love the motorcycle so we purchased it, loaded it in the back of the truck and were both giddy with excitment as we drove home.  When we arrived we asked Weston to come outside (the other two just too young yet to get excited)  the look on Weston's face as he saw the bike in back of the truck was PRICELESS.  It is something this mom will NEVER forget.  Weston loved his bike, and I loved watching him become a great rider on that bike.
I refused to let them sell it for a long time but I knew it was time to let go of the past and let my boys grow up.  So we posted it on KSL and after a weekend or so we sold it.  To a young couple with a 5 your old little boy…..I felt great knowing this young mom was about to experience something she will never forget.  (I am sure the dads love it too)

I asked the boys to snap a few photos before the bike left us.  I guess it was time to say goodbye.

1st Annual Leatherow Hill Billy Camp Out

This year Tom decided he wanted to organize a campout with the Leatherow clan. It has been several years since we have been camping and we were all super excited.  Tom chose the weekend and let everyone know of the dates and where we would be camping, Left Hand Fork.  PERFECT.  Kyle was also home for a visit during the camp trip ~ wonderful.
We arrived early to get the perfect spot for the kids to play in the river and for lots of running room; without having to stress too much about the other campers.
Day one was in one word HOT!  we literally spent the afternoon with our chairs in the river, relaxing, chit chatting and just letting the kids be kids.

Even my Katie cooled off in the water.
Josh, Jen and their kiddo were next to arrive.  Tess and Blake were unable to make the trip so Corben was lucky enough to come up and hang out with Liam.

Of course the high light of the camp trip is the riding of the four wheelers.  I didn't ride too much this trip as I was just content to sit back and just take it all in.  This was a trip that really made me thankful for my family, as crazy as they are, they are my family.

When the kids both big and small were not riding they were having fun shooting the BB guns.  Boys will be Boys.

This was Katie's first camp trip and I must say the first night was a NIGHTMARE.  She kept us awake just like a new born baby.  She just wasn't used to sleeping in a tent and being able to hear every little thing.  Tom and I took turns walking her around camp every couple of hours.  The second night I had her curl up with me on the air mattress and she slept like a baby.

Weston had a bit of a blonde moment and spilt the cereal…not to worry Titan will take care of that.

I got caught taking a nap….

Dale too got caught taking a nap however he wasn't smart enough to lay in the tent he fell asleep in the camp chair and when you are asleep I guess you are fair game for whatever the camp can get away with.  The camp artist saw a blank canvas and went to work.

What is a camp trip without a bit of blood?  Yep, Logan was the unlucky one this trip.  He hit the loose gravel and down he went on the motorcycle.  OUCH.   He hurt his ribs as well; needless to say his parents weren't too pleased. He was banned the rest of the trip.  But I don't think it hurt his feelings.

Before we headed for home we sent Josh and Jenn up to the waterfall for a photo opp

After they snapped this photo the older cousins realized this could be the last photo of them all together for quite some time…..one in the Army, and the missions are beginning real soon.  WOW!  Where did the time go?
My guys ~ I don't have words to express my love for these men.  They are my world.  My heart swells with pride whenever I see them accomplish even they smallest of things.  I LOVE the fact that no matter where we are, no matter who is around they will throw their arms around me and give me a hug and they will always tell me they love me.  This four men are MY GUYS.

This was a wonderful short vacation.  As the title says 1st Annual ~ we will be doing it again next July so please join us for the 2nd Annual Leatherow Hill Billy Camp out.  The more the merrier and there is NEVER a dull moment.
Upon our arrival home we saw that the wind had helped open our glass door….oops.  Guess we will be getting a new door.

And that my friends is a wrap.