High on my list of things to do the last two summers is: take out kids out to camp. In a tent. At a campground. Overnight. It just keeps not working out. The weather is a major factor - I'm not willing to have our first family camping adventure be during severe weather (or even just a run of the mill thunderstorm) or when it is 90 bazillion degrees out. So, late last week when it became clear that the temperatures were going to drop and become "campable" we started making plans quietly. We honestly didn't tell the kids what we were doing until we were pulling into the campground. We've planned a number of times before to have it not work out at the last minute.
So, it short, we camped! All night! In a tent! It was AWESOME and we're going to do it again, weather permitting (see: above). I am so happy it went well and everyone had a great time - although all of us are exhausted!
The kids napped in the car on the way there - the state park was about 45 minutes away. Not quite long enough for a full nap, but better than nothing! We arrived, checked in and then set out to hike, amazingly at William's request!
The kids napped in the car on the way there - the state park was about 45 minutes away. Not quite long enough for a full nap, but better than nothing! We arrived, checked in and then set out to hike, amazingly at William's request!
Our hikers! Note the total distance: 0.8miles. Normally, this wouldn't be a trail John or I would consider. We're fans of the 3-6 mile length. However, this trip was about teaching the KIDS to love camping as much as we do. So, short trails were required. We even left the baby backpack at home purposefully!
Both kids did a great job hiking. Just a few minutes after I started feeling smug about the hiking stamina of our kids, Amelia demanded I carry her the rest of the way. She walked a little over half of the way. Which, means I carried her on my hip for .4 miles. Wish I would have had the backpack.
We really took our time stopping to examine bugs, flowers, fallen trees, and listening to the birds/bugs.
My sidekick. Why didn't we bring the backpack? Also: glad we didn't attempt the 2 mile trail we originally discussed.
William was so proud about hiking his first trail the whole way, he wanted his picture taken by the sign!
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After hiking, we went to the beach in the campground. This was Amelia's first time at a beach! She loved it!
After hiking, we went to the beach in the campground. This was Amelia's first time at a beach! She loved it!
So did William! The water was very warm after having such hot weather for the last week. I think the water was warmer than the air (80ish degrees)
We played at the beach for over an hour armed with only an empty yogurt container to play with (and an abandoned shovel found on the shore). It was lovely. The scenery was great, the kids were having a wonderful time and I was so happy! After the beach, we went back to our campsite and got cleaned up. The campsite had (warm!) showers and bathrooms, which we took full advantage. John grilled us some hamburgers while I cleaned up the kids. Dinner always tastes so much better when you are REALLY hungry!
After dinner we took the kids to the campsite playground to run around. Everywhere we went, we ran into families with kids. In no time at all, William was running around with another boy his age and having a grand time. Amelia was content to hang with me and occasionally yell nonsense at William and his new friend from the sidelines.
After playing, we came back and cooked up some s'mores. mmmmmmm.... Also, note behind me the giant dumpster. Not ideal, but there wasn't a whole lot to pick from close to the bathroom.
William helps Mama cook up a s'more
Amelia kicks back to enjoy her treat!
William's treat. I'm not sure I can describe how filthy the kids were after hiking, beach, park, campfire plus sticky marshmallow.
The kids were so excited about sleeping in the tent. Or playing around in the tent.
Amelia's spot
William's spot - look how happy he is! Also note: he is wearing his favorite socks. I can't get them away from him - he wears them ALL the time!
William thought he smelled a skunk. Then, it was a funny game. We read books and played Go Fish as a family in the tent to wind down. The kids finally fell asleep without the assistance from Children's Ben@dryl.
The next morning we woke up early to the ka-BLAM of someone throwing their trash just before 7am. Of course, the kids were ready to get going. We had breakfast and took down everything. While John and I were packing up, William found something to entertain himself. See who is watching him?
Monkey see, monkey do! Look at her expression! It is priceless!
William requested another hike - so proud! When we pulled up to the trail, we were greeted by this gorgeous stone structure.
Start of the trail. Amelia has already informed me she "can't" walk and needs to be carried.
Again, we did a lot of investigating along the way
True to her word, Amelia refused to walk at all, only allowing herself to be put down here for a quick picture.
William on the trail
William after hiking his 2nd full hike. See Amelia back there? She finally let me put her down right about then. She hiked until the end of the trail (where William is standing). We have some work to do with her!
Amelia finishing the hike....about 30 seconds later, she caught sight of the playground equiptment and RAN full speed towards it. Both John and I cracked up laughing at her speed after refusing to hike for the last 30-40 minutes! We played at the park before driving home!