Camping Hot Springs

We decided to take a tradition in the making trip down to Spanish Fork--Diamond Campground. Last year, we hiked up to the hot springs there-and so we did it again this year.
We took off on Thursday and drove the little ways. Cameron helped set up the tents, and the other kids got the stuff out of the car and loaded up the tents. Kimball and Trent had their own tent-if you don't count Bear hogging the space in there too. Shawn, Cameron, Sam and I all shared the big tent. The two cots fit in there way better that the 3-4 person tent. Just so you know, when they say 3-4 person, do they mean 3-4 of Sam? or Cameron? or a huge 350 lbs. male? Sleep was scarce the first night as we settled in. This was after an exciting night of sitting by the fire sacrificing marshmallows, attempting to cook hot dogs, and keep Bear away from any food that wasn't his (which was all of it). Sam got cold, Kimball couldn't get the tent zipper to work, Cameron got cold because he didn't want to use a sleeping bag and opted to only use ONE blanket, Trent can pretty much sleep through anything. That meant Shawn got little sleep too. I was fine.
Friday we got up, ate a leisurely breakfast, and prepped for the hike. I think it was a 5 mile round trip up to the hot springs. We brought out lunches and tons of water (I think it was a ton because I was carrying it!) and then droe to the trail head. The boys did remarkable. Sam was a little slow going, Trent was too, but Cameron and Kimball were leading the pack (with Bear). Bear had to be leashed because we were hiking next to a fast moving river and he loves to jump into unknown depths of water. After we finally arrived (Trent was asking us if we were there five minutes into the hike)--we saw a snake slithering around an enormous rock. This spooked Trent for quite awhile--toward the end he finally got into the water. Cameron and Kimball immediately found the warmest hot spring and "sprang" in. Shawn and Sam showed up about five minutes after us, and they went into the water as well. Bear was unleashed at this point, and did a incredible job of wearing himself out, with the jumping and frolicking he did in and all around the water. He didn't wander too far either which was a bonus for our tired legs.
I think downhill goes faster than uphill. Took us about an hour to make it down. And while the boys could pee along the way (having distance contests no less), Mom couldn't. So I couldn't wait to get to the bathroom back at the trailhead. Trent and I saw two snakes slither (they can't run you know) away from us coming down...one startled me but sure looked in a hurry to get away from US. Kimball and Trent fell asleep in the car on the 4 mile drive back to the campsite. Kimball actually slept for a long time-I woke them up for dinner but they wanted to go back to sleep. In fact, Trent kept asking when he could go to bed. I told Shawn we should have recorded THAT. It was more playing in the tent that actual sleeping.
The fires were the highlight (literally at night)when we "roasted" poor marshmallow, ate the chocolate, and didn't eat the graham crackers. Cameron asked Sam, "Do you want to grand crappers?" (meaning graham crackers of course). Cameron practiced his fire building skills--and did an excellent job. Sam lit his first match and completely freaked us out. Trent stole my stick. Kimball slept through the 2nd nights fire and story.
Although camping is a lot of work as a parent, it was enjoyable for both Shawn and I. For the most part. Not the fighting part, though.

I will post pictures when I get a new USB cord. The last one had a run-in with some play dough and lost.