Camping

This past weekend we decided to go on an impromptu camping trip.  We're planning on going camping with some friends in September, but wanted to squeeze in one more trip this summer.  The weather looked good with no rain in the forecast, so we decided to go for it!

The kids were so excited when we told them we were going camping.  They LOVE it!  We had a great weekend, although it was very hot. I mean, VERY hot.  As in completely drenched and sticky.  But it was worth it.  We love making these memories with (and for) the kids.  It's funny to me though, how young kids don't even notice the temperature.  Not once did I hear either of them complain about the heat.  Their memory of the weekend was that it was a lot of fun, which  makes us happy.  I'm so glad they're able to look past the temperature and just enjoy the simplicities of it - oh to be a child again!  ;)

Getting the van packed.  It was our first time camping with the van.  We weren't sure we'd be able to fit everything in it.

We made it all fit!  All packed up and ready to go.  You can see a little bit of Hannah in the mirror.

We just got there and Jenna's already pulling out the chocolate.  Yep, she's my girl!  ;)

Getting ready to roast some hot dogs - Grant's all-time favorite.

Jenna wanted to help prep for the fire.

Yummy smores!

Hannah all sprawled out on the sleeping bag.

All 3 of my kiddos. 

The first thing the kids wanted to do was hike to the creek.  Drew has taught them well.

Grant was all smiles.

They found a crawdad! 

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I recently started storytelling with the kids.  They love the made-up stories I've been telling them about Prince Grant and Princess Jenna.  I know, so original, right?  :)  Our latest story is about Jenna and Grant going on a hike - "They walked and walked and then...STOPPED!  In front of them was a big...." and then they help me finish the sentence.  We've had bear, snake, eel, lion, spider, spider web, train.  I love seeing their creative juices flow!

Of course we had to have some popcorn.

As Grant would say, "Dee-wishus"

Had to include this picture - Grant went in the tent to get Beary so he could sit with him.  That boy loves his bears - Beary and Teddy. 

Hannah did a great job!  She is, by far, the easiest baby (out of all 3) to camp with.  The other two were a little more difficult, especially with sleeping and bedtime.  Hannah is so content and calm and would just fall asleep in the pack-n-play when it was bedtime or for naps.  The heat didn't bother her either, although we tried to keep her in the shade and have a fan on her while she slept. 

In the morning - ready for our cereal.  I went with really easy meals this trip.

Hannah napping in the tent with the fan on her.

Yummy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.

The water was our friend this weekend - a great way to cool off!

They loved jumping into Daddy's arms.

I got to hold this precious bundle during the swimming time.  Can't.get.enough.

Despite our best efforts, the kids didn't nap at all Saturday, so come Saturday early evening, Grant was starting to drag.  Poor guy!  And Jenna's face here cracks me up.  Such a goober!  :)

More smores - Grant pretty much just ate the marshmallows out of the bag.

There was a lake (aka beach) that we went to Saturday evening.

All tuckered out!

Fast asleep with Teddy in his arms and Beary and his blankie (which was actually Drew's blankie as a baby) close-by.

Again, Hannah sleeping so soundly in her pack-n-play.  And she even slept through the night both nights.  I wasn't sure if being out of her routine and in a hot, new environment would throw her off, but she did wonderfully.  Even when she woke up in the mornings to eat, she just softly made some cooing sounds.  Precious!

And lastly, our campsite.  It was a great location - next to the woods and close to a trail that took us to the (mini) falls in the creek and across from a playground.  Plus it had a good amount of shade too. 

I'm so glad we went and look forward to our camping trip in September!  Hopefully it won't be quite as hot then.  ;)