Camping

Growing up, my family went camping a lot. I never understood the sacrifice my mom made doing this until now. I know WHY they did it....it was a cheap, fun vacation for the kids. I am in awe now knowing how much work is involved. Just packing to leave took us all day! (I'm still not done cleaning all the sleeping bags and clothes one week later.) In the process of picking up last minute things at Wal-Mart, my husband, who was trying to help out, ended up leaving Ani's favorite blanket in the shopping cart. When we went back a half hour later, it was gone. No one has turned it in since, so it's safe to say that someone took it. Bad omen? I think maybe.

My sister, who lives in Idyllwild, said that it might snow. I didn't believe her. We knew the forecast called for rain. I love rain since we never get it so I thought this would be GREAT! It rained non-stop from the time we were there till the time we left the next afternoon. It was FREEZING cold, down into the 20's at night. I, apparently, like to punish myself. I spent most of the night trying to make our tent comfortable for everyone to sleep well in. Will set up the tent and was lucky to have other people to help set up a tarp over our fire, so we had some heat. If he hadn't been able to do that, we would have left.

The kids, even though they were told not to, got soaking wet within hours. Luckily, I was prepared and changed them all into dry clothes and rain boots with umbrellas. They had a blast. They complained every once in a while how cold they were, but for the most part, they were just happy to be doing something different. Daniel was so cold and tired, that after I changed him, he cuddled up in the sleeping bag and feel asleep for the night at 5 pm.! I'm glad we went and incredibly grateful for my parents who did this for us for so many years.
Poor Daniel's in the back so squished that he could bearly move to get in the picture!

In the beginning, they were so happy and more than willing to pose.

Ariel and her good friend, Virginia.

Leave it to Will to always have a smile on his face!

Ani ate a diet of marshmellows the whole time!

Will didn't figure out that you have to cut wood from the outside in until a boyscout pointed it out to him.

My Abigail is always ready to make herself look great!

Even Ani was a good sport.

Camping without marshmellows would have been like going to the beach without your swimsuit.

The next morning, I made a deal with Will that if he took pictures of the activities I would pack up the inside of the tent. (I think I got the better deal.) They made cookies and went on an egg hunt. I love the moments he captured.

Having Spencer and Virginia there made my kids so happy....I love it that my kids have such great friends.

Abi wanted me to write this: Crazy pictures are always awsome.

I wish I had captured this on video. Abi almost pulled the tarp down on top of the fire.