Go Big Elk Or Go Home

When we committed to attending the Armstrong Family Reunion at Big Elk Campground, we felt pretty strongly that we wanted to rent some sort of camping van. After COVID hit, it was nearly impossible to find one and rental prices were outrageous. A week before our trip we still hadn't secured a rental and I was getting anxious. Tanner advised me to just find one and be done with it so I found this giant RV and it happened to be owned by one of Tanner's old BYU pals! Tanner took Josh's engagement photos and maybe even his wedding photos... I can't remember. But when it came time to pick up the motor home, Tanner realized his driver license was expired so Josh had to drive the monstrous thing for us, which was VERY nice of him. Not only did he give us a deal, but he went above and beyond to make it work for us. And it was nice! We rolled up like part of the Kardashian clan, all decked out in luxury. I'm sure a few eyes rolled as we sauntered in... but hey, camping with a TV, King sized bed, and hot shower? Yes please!

From the moment we entered the camp you could feel the exuberance. Tanner's cousins all had a special glow. A million Christmases ago, Tanner's grandma (Kim's Mom), gifted each of her kids and grandkids a weekend in the Summer at Big Elk Campground and it quickly became a favorite family tradition. The love and happiness that encompasses this place is tangible. Each grown up kid that I spoke to (Jody, Jamie, Kasey, Courtney, Kaitlin, Kassidy, Travis...) told me, with a twinkle in their eye, how being here was like a balm to their soul- that there was this indescribable power that flowed through the trees stirring up blissful childhood memories. Decades worth of cherished family times came flooding back when they entered the cap and I can only imagine how happy that made Grandma Green watching down on us from Heaven. 

There is a profound effect on a family when they are bound together by traditions. Big Elk is a scared place now because of the efforts of one bright and beautiful woman who created a lasting ritual for her posterity. I was blessed to be a part of the magic this year for the very first time.

We had a sign up for meals so we were only in charge of dessert at the first dinner. So the rest of the time we were able to sit back and enjoy the delicious meals that were provided by the rest of them family and let me tell you, we ate well! I'm still dreaming about that homemade buttermilk syrup at breakfast.

We spent each day down at the water's edge and the kids absolutely loved boating with Billy! They could have boated all day long and until the stars lit the sky. 

It was the best being with family- these people who are so much like us, living life to the fullest and enjoying the sunshine and the beach wherever they can find it. I barely got a glimpse of Parker as he was hanging out with the big kids, playing games, and having fun.

The Big Elk Magic has us hooked and I can't wait to go back!