Memorial Weekend = Fishing

So far in my life, Memorial Day means fishing. I kind of know what it is really for, but I've never had someone really close to me die. And if they did, what better way to celebrate their life than to go fishing! But seriously, I have known all eight of my great-grandparents and all four of my grandparents are still alive. I don't get to see my grandparents in Alaska very often, but I love them too. I will miss them when they are gone. Somehow we need to develop some sort of Memorial Day tradition to remember and celebrate those who have gone on.

I really admire and respect those serving in the armed forces. It is something that I would gladly do if it ever became required, but I don't think that I will ever enlist. There is a guy in my office at work who is in the Air Force Reserves whose unit got called up. He is going to Afghanistan in July. There was a guy in our ward who was in the elders quorum presidency with me who just quit his job and enlisted in the Army Reserves. I really respect them and wish them the best. They both have families. Here's a shout out and thanks to all those serving in the armed forces. May you be watched over as you do what is right.

Wow, that got a lot bigger than I thought it was. It kind of makes our fishing trip not seem so important, but it is tradition and a lot of fun. We've been going up to what we will forever call Cottonwood Boat Landing (even though the name has been changed) ever since I can remember. I don't know of any picture of me as a baby fishing up there, but there are several of me at 4 or 5. It is so beautiful up on that part of the South Fork of the Snake River. It is down in a canyon with high walls and lots of trees. It is tough to always get there but it is one of my favorite places in the world. Some years the weather is not very nice, it rains almost every year, but we have adapted. We take a big tarp to cover the fire and some chairs and where we cook. It was great! I love taking my kids. Here are some photos to enjoy! My awesome sister-in-law Sophie took some of them. Thanks for sharing.

Here is some of the family. McKinley was off running around and someone has to take the picture!

Cutest baby in the world? We sure think so!

Strong contender for cutest 2 1/2 year old. He's all ready for the rain which had already started falling Saturday morning. He was ready to go for a ride in the boat and start fishing on Tuesday when we told him we were going.

We are just proud of McKinley for not making too funny of a face. She is a beautiful little girl when she is being cute.

Jamison loves riding in the Snugli.

He can even help Erica fish!

I stood here for hours holding the boat under the cave so we didn't get rained. Okay, just long enough to take a picture and tie the rope up.

Gavin lassoed this fish with Grandpa!

Sometimes we wonder what planet our children come from. Gavin in this case.

This is a morel mushroom. They grow wild along the river. They are delicious. When fishing is slow, we find mushrooms to cook with dinner. They cost about $35 per pound. We eat them by the grocery bag full when we can find them. Delicious!