Gabe leaned his head out the window and said, “Y’all are crazy!“.
Mark, the oldest.
David and I have heard this before. And we love it! Hearing that phrase means we’re doing something out of the ordinary. Not necessarily something truly insane, which might have terrible consequences, but something a bit daring. Maybe something cool that others might hesitate to try.
The day was absolutely frigid on the mountain. After just a couple of runs, you’d have to come inside to warm up.
Asher, with his motor home in the background
But, you know, I was jones-ing for hot dogs cooked outside over a fire. It’s one of the joys of camping and we are, despite the weather and time of year, still camping.
So, when we arrived home at about 4pm, we decided to dig the snow out of our campsite fire pit so that dogs could be cooked. Digging got us nice and warm.
It also drew the attention of our wonderful neighbor, Gabe. He and his wife have 4 cute boys. Before Gabe pulled his head back inside the warm motor home, the boys were interested in cooking hot dogs on a fire, too. Has any boy ever not been interested in a campfire?
from left, Mark, me, Adin, Asher and Marci, their mom. Adin is still very little, so he got cold, cried, and went back inside before he cooked a dog.
The two older boys suited up and brought over a couple of logs they had collected. Their mama must have taught them to never go to someone’s house empty-handed! That’s so dear.
The Livingston boys are really helping me out. I miss my small friends at home. Back home, there are Charlie, Julia, Katie and Jack across the street. Austin and Emma are a few doors away. I see my godson, Parker, a lot. My step-grandson, Zealen, lives a little farther away now but I see him as often as possible.
David with Mark & Asher
David calls me the ‘Baby Whisperer’ but, phppbt!, I just like to play. And kids are little, innocent miracles (especially when you can give them back).
So, anyhoo, we cooked some dogs on sticks over the fire. Yum!
– Jane
Jane is truly one of the very few adults I know who “GETS” kids. She listens, prompts their input, and doesn’t seem ever to look over their heads and ignore them. I HAVE NEVER SEEN HER ANSWER A PHONE OR TEXT IN A CHILD’S PRESENCE! She is present to the moment she is choosing to share. I never know quite what to say to little ones, I just wait to see what’s on their minds and hope I can add something they care about too. I can’t help but be instructive; ask leading questions and hope to trigger them to solve their own little challenges. I guess that’s whispering too…?
-David
The Voyage of the Tramper 
Thanks for coming along in our lives when you did. We are at a point where we are a little overwhelmed and trying to figure out if rving with little ones in the cold is a good idea. You have offered us help exactly when we need it. Thanks.
We are so, so glad that we helped! Your boys are wonderful and fun.
– Jane
Aww thanks!
Jane you sound like natural teacher material. Of course taking a job as a teacher would require following structure that might bring that house of cards down. Anyway, it sounds like your inner child is strong. (My Mom and I have a pact, we promise to never grow up).
Hey guys,
This is Jon and Naomi Bergman, we met you at Monarch Mountain today. Love the blog! It’s really great what you guys are doing! We’d love to meet up with you guys tomorrow if you’re still considering skiing Copper. Just let us know what you’re thinking. You can e-mail us at jon.bergman@gmail.com, (we’ll check our oh-so-very smart phone in the morning).
Jon and Naomi
Yes…its funny how easily an exciting day is shared! Look forward to Copper Mt.
– David