Camping Trip - June 27-29

This weekend, we went camping with 4 other families from our subdivision. Both of our next door neighbors went and then 2 other families. The campground was about 45 minutes north in the National Forest.

As you can see, Braden was very excited to be outside. He loved running around and of course getting very, VERY dirty! Good thing little boys wash!!!

Friday night (6/27) was a little rough on all of us. We pulled into the campground and a few sprinkles started to fall. We quickly set up the tent and were thankful for the added hands of our neighbors. No sooner was the tent up, then the skies opened and the downpour started. We huddled under the back of the van and then gave up and made a dash for our neighbors screened awning. Braden thought the rain was fun - and the puddles were even better!!!

The rain finally stopped and we were able to set up the rest of our campsite. Because we had the most open campsite, the neighbors came to our site for the campfire that night. We were trying to stay away from the trees and bushes to avoid some of the mosquitoes! Because of all our rain this summer, they were worse than usual.

Bedtime came, and that is when the real fun started. Dylon did fine - he went to bed and slept even though there was quite a bit of noise from the other children running around. We let Braden stay up a little later than normal - thinking that he might do better if it got darker outside. So, around 9:00ish, we took him into bed. But, our little guy was too excited to go to sleep. To make a long story, short -- at midnight Braden was still awake. The poor guy was sooo very tired, but just couldn't give in. Chad finally tried buckling him into his carseat in the van - but Braden just kicked and hit at the windows. So, we decided to pack up and just go home. Camping wasn't really worth all this. Chad went back to put a load of chairs in the van and, yes, you guessed it - Braden was finally asleep. So, we moved him back into his bed and we all went to sleep. Well, at least for about 1 hour. Then Dylon decided that it was his turn for some attention. Fortunately, he snuggled into Mommy's sleeping bag with me and went right back to sleep.

Saturday (6/28) was a much better day. We had a relaxing morning and made breakfast burritoes. Chad is a great camp cook! Then we went for a walk with all the neighbors to check out Long Lake and the beaches. Braden enjoyed running around with the bigger kids and throwing sand into the lake. Dylon was content to be pushed in his stroller/backpack and ended up falling asleep.

So, we all decided to take a rest. Daddy and Braden fell asleep. I just couldn't resist taking a picture of my two guys all sacked out. Priceless!

After naps, we ate lunch and then headed to the beach to play and swim. Braden loved the sand and filled his bucket over and over. He thought the waves coming onto the shore were fun too and loved to wait for them to get his feet. Mommy and Braden went swimming for a little while too. Braden did a great job practicing his new swimming skills. With the duck around his waist, I didn't really even have to hold onto him.

Dylon even got to try out the water. He was so happy to be wet and would have stayed in all day if we had let him. The only thing he didn't like so much was his dorky hat that Mommy made him wear. Dylon decided to try out the sand too. But, eating it didn't prove to be as much fun as he though it would be.

Saturday afternoon we were told that a severe thunderstorm watch was underway and encouraged by the park ranger to take cover. So, we headed back from the beach and settled into our tent. The rain, thunder, and lightning came - and we survived it in the tent. Now we know our tent can handle pretty much anything! Braden wasn't too sure about the storm for awhile, so he hid under his blanket in Mommy's lap. He finally got braver and watched the storm through the window with Daddy.

VIDEO of the Thunderstorm (Can you find Braden? Hint he's the red blob!)

Sunday (6/29) morning we ate breakfast, packed up, and headed home. I've decided that camping is fun ... but ALOT of work. Packing and then cleaning up when you get home - Yikes! But, I'm sure we'll do it again. How can you not when you have a house of boys! And I wouldn't have it any other way!!!