Happy Campers

For the first time in several years, we own a Volkswagen Vanagon that actually runs and can leave the driveway! ;) Andrew was itching to take it camping since it will sleep 4 people, so we picked a Saturday night and headed to a state park about 15 miles from home. It was the first time that we had gone camping as a family, and we all had a great time. The kids absolutely LOVED the freedom of just being outside: they explored the woods, tended to the campfire, kicked a soccer ball, and got completely filthy. Garcia was content to chew on sticks, go on lots of walks, and relax in the fresh air. Pops and Grann joined us for hot dogs and S'mores, and once the sun went down it got chilly enough that the campfire felt really good!

the van in camping position!

The kids were eager to start a fire in the fire pit!

Ryder loves the "pop top" as much as his daddy does!

and so does Garcia!

Harper couldn't have gotten much dirtier if she had rolled around on the ground! Look at those legs!

supervising

Andrew thinks this should be a new marketing photo for Bush's baked beans. :)

homemade sparklers--> burning sticks for the kids to wave around

Harper (the blur) was writing her name in the air.

In true sleepover fashion, the kids stayed up whispering and giggling for a while after we tucked them in. Andrew and I enjoyed just listening to them as we sat by the fire. Finally we heard Ryder say, "Harper, stop talking! I'm trying to go to sleep!"

The next morning, Andrew made blueberry waffles and bacon for breakfast. Yum!

playing in "the jungle", as Harper called it

Ryder was whiny and in a funk when we got home from the campground. We kept asking him if he felt ok or wanted to take a nap.  His little chin quivered when he finally admitted he just wanted to stay camping and wasn't ready to come home. Poor boy! Because the kids loved it so much, Andrew and I got on the computer that night and reserved a camp site so we can go back over Andrew's birthday weekend. It's such an easy way to spend some quality time together when our weeks are anything but relaxing.