Cow Camp

"Free the frogs!," Francie shouted, getting a laugh out of all the adults within earshot. "Free the frogs! Free the frogs!" I thought about designing a sticker that said "Free the Frogs, Cow Camp 2014," to distribute to the Montgomery Clan as a thank you for including us, but just haven't gotten around to it. Surprise surprise.

 

Two weeks ago we tagged along with AJ's (the hubby's BFF) family's reunion/summer vacation, known as Cow Camp. It is called this, unrelated to any bovine, but because the government-owned land and surrounding area is called Cow Meadow. It is located outside Bend, somewhere off the Cascade Lakes Highway, near Cultus Lake. I don't actually know where it is, because we arrived at nearly midnight, after Alex took several wrong turns, so the route was a bit circuitous and had be all sorts of disoriented. As if I had a sense of direction in the first place. Camping here has been a tradition for the Montgomery Family (AJ's mom's dad's family - got it?) for some 50 years, related to AJ's grandfather's ("Big" Papa) work for the department of fish/wildlife. Alex has been lucky enough to be considered family and has joined Cow Camp on and off for the last 10 years. This was Francie and my inaugural week, and we were very much welcomed and well-fed. And did I mention we didn't have to plan for or cook any meals? We ate deliciously for three days for less than $20. Seriously.

 

Our days included looking for bugs in tree stumps, watching baby ducklings swim up the creek, catching frogs in the river, snacking, volunteering to check duck boxes for eggs, watching the four toddlers, wagon rides, occasional naps, late nights by the campfire with the toddler in tow, and a full day with a gang of people hanging out and drinking/eating at the lake. So.Fun.

 

Thanks to the fam for graciously including us in their treasured family tradition, and we look forward to many more summers bumming off their fun.

 



 

I always swore I would stop nagging my kids about their clothes, hair, etc. once they had an opinion, but I just can't help myself and constantly try to get the Bean's long bangs out of her eyes.

 

The cutest little duck box volunteer. She actually climbed this ladder by herself, without Daddy reaching out to protect her, and she's not wearing a helmet like her TBI-expert mama would prefer.

 

Francie and Iris snacked more than they played at Cultus Lake.

 

Breezy and Gus.

 

Franzke fam - AJ, Breezy, and Gus.

 

Going for a float. Apparently lifejacket not needed?

 

Collecting rocks with Mama.

 

Franzke siblings - Jess and AJ.

 

Family raft ride.

 

The girls go frog-hunting - Francie and Iris wielding shovels, frogs be warned.

 

Happy Hour with Hunter and Francie.

 

 "Big swing" - hammock rides with Mama.

 

Resting in the sun.

 

Creek watching with AJ and Daddy.

 

Toddlers love to bug hunt.

 

Babysitting? Gus closes the door on Hunter and Francie playing in the dog kennel. Thanks for sharing, Trooper.

 

Daddy time on the dock.