The fam and I just got back from a fun camping trip with some of our family and friends. We were all settled in the high desert and enjoyed several days of warm sunshine and nights of campfires and gooey s'mores.
Have I mentioned that I just love camping? Every year is getting better and even more enjoyable as our kids grow. There's no longer the need for afternoon naps or for going to bed hours before Jim and I do. We literally get to enjoy the whole day together doing little bits of everything and nothing.
We got to spend this trip with about seven different families and would split up throughout the day for different board and card games, bike rides and hikes, horseshoes, meals, and just hanging out and laughing together. Since we were in a part of the campground we had all to ourselves, the kids got to enjoy being free range and coming in as I hollered that the next meal was ready. We got filthy with this dry powdery dirt that was everywhere, and even our dog, Lucy, calmed down enough to visit with some of our neighbors. (She's usually very nervous and antisocial, and gets to spend a lot of our group trips tied up outside or locked up inside.)
One late afternoon the five of us went out on a boat on the lake. We had such a relaxing and wonderful time together as we tried to sneak up on a bald eagle, a momma duck with seven or eight tiny ducklings behind her, and a beaver that was fishing and gathering branches. It was one of those times you wish would never end.
I didn't take a lot of pictures since my camera is my phone and therefore was dead or nearly dead most of the trip, but here's a few (although not very clear):
Have I mentioned that I just love camping? Every year is getting better and even more enjoyable as our kids grow. There's no longer the need for afternoon naps or for going to bed hours before Jim and I do. We literally get to enjoy the whole day together doing little bits of everything and nothing.
We got to spend this trip with about seven different families and would split up throughout the day for different board and card games, bike rides and hikes, horseshoes, meals, and just hanging out and laughing together. Since we were in a part of the campground we had all to ourselves, the kids got to enjoy being free range and coming in as I hollered that the next meal was ready. We got filthy with this dry powdery dirt that was everywhere, and even our dog, Lucy, calmed down enough to visit with some of our neighbors. (She's usually very nervous and antisocial, and gets to spend a lot of our group trips tied up outside or locked up inside.)
One late afternoon the five of us went out on a boat on the lake. We had such a relaxing and wonderful time together as we tried to sneak up on a bald eagle, a momma duck with seven or eight tiny ducklings behind her, and a beaver that was fishing and gathering branches. It was one of those times you wish would never end.
I didn't take a lot of pictures since my camera is my phone and therefore was dead or nearly dead most of the trip, but here's a few (although not very clear):
If you were curious, I did get a couple pictures of the kids, but I don't post them without their permission. You'll just have to take my word on it, they were grubby and happy : )
Jim and I both felt that we packed well for this trip--food and clothes-wise. We didn't go overboard with a bunch of junk food and had some hearty and healthy meals and lots of water. However, looking back, here's a few things I wish I would have brought:
1. My camera
Like I mentioned before, the only camera we were using was my phone, which was not holding a charge. We ran the generator a couple times (with gas at nearly $4 a gallon) and I was able to get a little bit of a charge on it then, simply so I could take some pictures.
2. A journal
I had a bit more down time than I was expecting, and I really wanted to write! I'll have to remember to bring a notebook or something next time!
3. More books
I was able to finish a book I brought, along with doing my regular Bible reading in the morning, but I wish I would have brought more books to pass some time.
4. Wet wipes
This is usually a staple in the trailer, however they did not make it in this trip! There were showers there, but it would have been nice to have some wet wipes for the s'more lips and dirty feet!
All in all, it was a great trip! We got to spend great time with our friends and family, sharing, laughing, and growing closer together. And thank God for the sunshine!
Jim and I both felt that we packed well for this trip--food and clothes-wise. We didn't go overboard with a bunch of junk food and had some hearty and healthy meals and lots of water. However, looking back, here's a few things I wish I would have brought:
1. My camera
Like I mentioned before, the only camera we were using was my phone, which was not holding a charge. We ran the generator a couple times (with gas at nearly $4 a gallon) and I was able to get a little bit of a charge on it then, simply so I could take some pictures.
2. A journal
I had a bit more down time than I was expecting, and I really wanted to write! I'll have to remember to bring a notebook or something next time!
3. More books
I was able to finish a book I brought, along with doing my regular Bible reading in the morning, but I wish I would have brought more books to pass some time.
4. Wet wipes
This is usually a staple in the trailer, however they did not make it in this trip! There were showers there, but it would have been nice to have some wet wipes for the s'more lips and dirty feet!
All in all, it was a great trip! We got to spend great time with our friends and family, sharing, laughing, and growing closer together. And thank God for the sunshine!