But we continue to go. I have to admit, my enthusiasm for the trip was pretty lackluster. What I was really seeing ahead of me was three days of the same work I do at home... just with a lot of dirt, struggle and hassle. Of course, as always, I'm super glad we went and had a great time. Nature is good and all, but it is definitely the company that makes the adventure worthwhile.
Holden was one of four 5-year-olds along this time, but the only boy in that age range. It was a bit hard for him sometimes cause he thought no one wanted to play "his" games. But everyone loved playing T-ball and soccer, and everyone improved in our dirt field.
Cassidy, a veteran of our trips now:
On our "hike," the kids were more into running from water spigot to water spigot and making huge splashes. That is, until us environmentally-conscious adults came along and ruined the fun with all our water conservation talk.
Kevin and Josh look like they're discussing something serious. Chances are, though, that the word "boob" or "boobs" is actually somewhere in that conversation:
I love how Brenny is totally off the ground as he runs here:
What would camping be without s'mores? Not only are they yummy, but they made a good bribery tool for every family at least some point during the weekend. Here is Maya with her sticky creation:
Hallie and Maya were school chums until last month, since both are starting kindergarten:
Kevin did some night photography experimentation:
This was how the kids ate most their meals. There was lots of wiggling, spills and whining:
On our second day, we took an outing to a river about three miles up the road. Everyone did some foot wading in the icy stream while I took the boys to a secluded spot for the favorite activity of throwing rocks. There is nothing more satisfying than a good "plop" in the water.
We paused for some family photos in the cold water. The Messingers:
The Fayes:
The Williamses:
Josh teaching Brenny some VERY important skillz:
Cassidy making her dad laugh:
Pretty much every time I turned around, Riley was doing this:
Somewhere on Day 2, I realized Maya had attached herself to me. It was kind of a nice change of pace, and Riley wasn't too jealous:
This is what happens when a 3-year-old gets into the markers and, while all the adults notice, they are too lazy to do anything about it. Sade's feeling blue:
The Moms took turns doing some tag-team parenting when the kids were in need of direction or distraction. I brought glue and we found flowers and twigs to make some art. The girls did a really great job, but I couldn't get the boys interested for more than a few minutes.
He cooks like this at home, too. Hello? You're holding the tongs!
Holden has no shame. With a gaggle of giggling girls right there, he didn't hesitate to whip it out and relieve himself. Denis looks as if he's been there, done that.
Kevin took some pretty photos on the second night and had planned to go get some later with Josh. Their motivation, though, somehow disappeared. That's OK, they both get a "thumbs up" from me.
Our last meal on the last morning. The adults generally hovered around the food table picking at whatever and catering to our demanding children's needs. The coffee was great, though. Thanks to Malcolm and Susan of the Past for remembering it!
We took a zillion of these, but could not get Brenny to look up even once, for a second. They're all so cute, though, and they were great campers:
Yes, you might see this photo again in December:
The whole gang:
1 comment:
Love the pics! Ours are still being downloaded. We had a great time, too, of course!
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