Hyalite Reservoir

We planned a camping trip with our Rexburg friends the Hoovers and the Cahoons.  Unfortunately there was some confusion with the date and the Cahoon's couldn't make it. We decided to meet and camp outside of Bozeman.  After looking at the google map we decided to camp at Hyalite Reservoir. I was a little nervous about camping there on a whim without hearing about it or seeing it but after calling the Bozeman Forest Service I was reasurred.  

For some reason I pictured us being all alone in the middle of nowhere with lots of bears.  I was wrong. When we made it to the reservoir we started looking for a place to camp and the first campground was completely full.  We didn't think we would find a spot next to the reservoir so we backtracked and found a spot by a creek.  It was dark when we finally got set up. 

It was a beautiful area and we had a wonderful time with the Hoovers.  Their son Ethan is 16 months old and he was about the same size as Zoey.  They did pretty well playing around each other but Zoey didn't want to share as much and Ethan pulled her hair a few times.  But they both enjoyed being outside. 

Weston didn't enjoy camping quite as much but he did ok for the most part.  The second night he cried for what seemed like 2 hours before going to sleep but it didn't phase Zoey or Ethan. 

We played games,  played in the water, roasted marshmellows, went for a walk and Dane got a little fishing in.  We also had cupcakes to celebrate Dane's Birthday!

We look forward to doing it again next year!

Lessons learned:

- It's probably a good idea to reserve a camping spot

-Have a plan for firewood

-Have a carrier for a new baby

-Toddlers will get dirty so they will probably need a few extra clothes

-It will probably always rain at some point when we go camping

-Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and paper towels are a must!

-Even though the kids will be outside the whole time they might need a few toys and books

-Either make sure there is another water source or bring A LOT of water

-If you are going near any water put the kids in their swimming suits!