Dogwood Camping - Memorial Day Weekend

The first camping trip of the season was a success! The air was a tad cold, but it kept the bugs and sweat at bay! We tried out a new spot called Dogwood near Arrowhead for the 16 in our group - and it was perfect.

The kids got right into dirt after arriving, trying to make fire with some flint. That was a nice hour-long distraction.

Sara and Hunter

Spencer

The Boys Are So Cool

Some of us set out on a nature "hike" to explore the area that afternoon. It was small, but a nice stretch.

Sadie

Riley continued his "collecting" of all things cute, including naming them. This pine cone earned the name "Spikey."

Susan and Alana

Man BBQs

As I said, it was chilly. We kept the fire going from first thing in the morning (thanks, Adam) and then again in the early afternoon through bedtime. The kids enjoyed poking at the fire with big sticks, until we all realized that we were, in fact, not acting as responsible parents and put an end to that activity. Many of our chairs and sweatshirts have holes from the flying embers. S'mores, of course, were a hit.

Caption Contest!

Adam shows off his camping pancakes.

We spent a very long time Sunday at Lake Gregory Recreation Area. We shunned the pay-to-enter swimming area because our group included a dog and glass bottles, and found a little patch of lake front for throwing rocks, wading, fishing and canoeing. We stayed a long time, and even got some lanyard and friendship bracelet making done!

Peace Out, Riley and Brenny

Alana and Hallie

Adam was so very kind to be sure all the kids got turns in the canoe.

Sammy Bennett

Hallie and Maya try fishing

Malcolm and Alana

Guess what Maya is doing in the lake?

Brenny just said, "Land, Ho!" Then asked what a "ho" is. Josh told him it was a very nice lady.

Before we left, the kids treated us to a show. Sadie did some Flamenco dancing while the rest of the kids did some tricks with a ball.

iPhone Outtakes: