Camping

For Father's Day this year we decided to go on our first family camping trip.  We invited our good friends, the Schufreiders, to join us.  Not knowing how the kids would do sleeping in the tent, we only attempted one night and didn't head too far from home.  We went to Lake Sylvia State Park which down by Montesano just 2 hours south of us.  


In packing for the trip the night before, I realized that my tutu/dress wearing daughter did not own a single pair of jeans.  So we made a 9 PM run to Fred Meyer and picked out some that she could live with (I had to buy her glittery belts to go with them).  This is the first time I've seen her in jeans in over 2 years - I almost cried!

Hopefully that won't be the last time she wears them!

Unfortunately we did not have great weather for our trip.  But the rain didn't start coming down hard until around 7:30 so we were able to have an enjoyable evening before we started to get really wet!  We arrived a little after lunch and got everything set up.  

 Dave putting up the tent

Jack staying occupied with his cars

Scott & Nancy putting up their tent

Our tent!

After getting set up, we took off on a little hike around the lake.  It was a really nice hike with lots of little bridges to cross and cool moss covered trees.  

Jack, Kate, Chloe & Luke

Scott & Nancy

At the end of the hike we discovered the campsite's play area and had to stop for a bit.

 Back at camp we grilled up some delicious dinner and filled our bellies.  

 Then it was time to build the campfire and roast marshmallows for s'mores!

 And then the rain started really coming down!

And so it was off to bed.  It took Jack a little while to fall asleep.  He wasn't too excited about sleeping in the tent.  He finally drifted off after many books and watching his sister fall asleep.  Then they both slept great all through the night.  I, on the other hand, was up most of the night due to neighbors that were up until 4 AM.  So I was feeling a little less than chipper, not to mention soggy, the next morning!  


But we had some breakfast, wished our men a Happy Father's Day, and then got all packed up.  The only dry spot in the place was where our tent had been!

We had lots of fun and now the kids know what to expect.  So we are definitely excited to go again soon - on a weekend with a more promising weather forecast!