Camping

I love camping. I love being up in the mountains, the stillness, the clean air, the crackle of the evening fire. One can sit by the warmth of the fire and just stare into the embers. I love being able to see the stars at night and hearing the wind rustle in the trees.

Camping with children is different. Packing takes a lot more effort. There is the porta-a-crib, blankies, diapers, blow-up Dora bed, toy fishing poles, fishies and bucket, extra clothes, bigger tent to fit us all, and heaven-forbid-you-forget-the-pacifier. You have to pick a site next to the latrine, which you visit at least twice in the first 20 minutes with your 3 yr old. Kids do not go to bed easily in a tent. Not at all. But they are sure up bright and early. Plus, the sleeping bag you planned to use is now being used by your daughter, so you spend most of the night awake and freezing, as well as awake, checking to make sure your children are not freezing.


We went camping on Friday night. Even though it wasn't much like pre-kid camping, we came back totally exhausted, very dirty, and with our car's bumper hanging in place with a zip-tie, I think it was a success. We roasted marshmallows, sang songs, and told stories. We went on a little hike where we spotted bees, different colored flowers, butterflies, and even got to climb over a big log. It was nice to be together.


One more thing that we did Sat. afternoon (after a recovery nap), we headed up to This is the Place Park, and enjoyed an afternoon of pioneer stuff. The kids did crafts, rode horses, played games, rode the train, and we all had lots of fun. That night, we washed the car, washed the kids, and thankfully collapsed into our own bed. Ahh...