Barton Reunion at the Dirt Farm

We had our annual Barton Reunion up at the Dirt Farm near Bryce Canyon the middle of July. Adam was swamped at work so we(me, Lincoln, and Norah) decided to head up with Nana and Pops on Thursday evening without him.  I debated whether or not I really wanted to camp--sleep in a tent by myself with 2 kids- 2 and under (with one nursing).  I'm always up for a challenge so why not?.... and guess what- I survived and by the time morning came I was still smiling--- well sort of.  Norah was a dream and slept the entire night in her car seat. Lincoln had other things in mind. He woke up around 2 (after going to sleep around 11) and had no interest in going back to sleep. I tried everything (singing, reading, telling stories and nursery rhymes but then I got so tired I couldn't stay awake to sing or talk.... so I resorted to letting him watch TV shows on my phone while I slept). I figured he would fall asleep watching them.45 minutes later his little eyes were still wide open glued to the little screen).  At this point it was after 3 so I took the phone away and tried telling more stories and finally he fell asleep!  Thank goodness. Lets just say I was very grateful that Adam would be there for sleeping night two.    

This is us the next morning-

Our little campsite. 

 The next morning we drove over to the Mossy Caves-River Hike with the entire Barton Clan. It was the perfect little hike for all of us-- and beautiful at the same time.  Uncle Jordan was a good sport to carry Lincoln while I got the privilege of caring Norah!

 The river was BROWN-- I think due to the fact that it had rained pretty hard the day before. It blended right into the riverbed.

 That's the waterfall.

 Lincoln loved wading and playing in the river--- and mostly throwing rocks in it.

 You can't see very well in this picture but this is the actual mossy cave area.

 I love me some Red Rock.

 Love my little Bro Jordan around to help with the kids--- especially since Adam wasn't there!

After the hike we headed over to Tropic and ate Pizza with the Orchards. It was the perfect hike! 

We then headed back to camp and relaxed for the rest of the day. My favorite part of the reunion. Just hanging out, relaxing, visiting, and eating. :)

Nana and Lincoln relaxing in the hammock.

 Lincoln playing with Alex Esplin.... Lots of dirt to get plenty dirty with.

 I loved the cooler weather and the fire!

 This was Sat. morning. Lincoln slept great night #2 and even slept in--- I think the smell of bacon must have woke him up... here he is- jammies and all munching on some bacon.

 Adam came up Friday evening and we all stayed through Sat. evening.  Sat. was full of games and activities with some of our extended "Barton" family relatives that I don't know. It was fun to see and talk to a few that I actually did remember from when I was a kid--- Like Tayler and Aimee Vowles!