Camping Carrs

Finally!  This past weekend we went from a family who camps in theory to reality!  It has been a long time in coming but the time was finally right for us to go.  The kiddos {and us too, really} have been so anxiously waiting for this day as we've been slowly building up our camping supply gear.  For this first outing we chose a state park about an hour and a half away.  We picked up Kayla a few minutes early from school on Friday and high-tailed it out there!

Upon arrival, we immediately went over the ground rules:

  1. Carrs keep a clean camp {and especially NO shoes in the tent}

2.  No wondering off without asking mom or dad first

3.  Don't fall in the creek

4.  Be adventurous, explore, and HAVE FUN!

Home for 2 nights and 2 days.

*This photo was actually taken right before break down so it isn't really a good example of Rule #1 ;)*

Our first day/evening out I didn't take to many photos because we were so busy setting up.  I did manage to snap a few of the smores making ... which we had both nights :)

The kiddos were all ready a little beat because of the annual Health Walk at Kayla's school {a post on that to come later}

 But nothing a little smore couldn't wake up!

Day 2

Rise and shine time with a cup of coco by the fire!

Dad went to work making a great first camp breakfast of eggs, bacon, and scratch made blueberry buttermilk pancakes!  We don't mess around with box mix!  It was to easy to combine the dry ingredients in a ziploc at home and then mix in the eggs and buttermilk at camp :)

The kiddos promptly embraced Rule #4 while the food was cooking.

After cleaning up breakfast we headed out for a hike to the Falls.

 

It was about 2 miles round trip and not always the easiest of trails!  But the kiddos handled it like champs and didn't complain once! 

We headed back to camp for some lunch and down time.  The kiddos even took a short power nap .... which was much needed ;)

Afterwards, they were off again obeying Rule #4.  They called it rock hopping.  And it was their favorite thing to do out there.  I think 1, because it was a challenge, and 2, because we actually let them venture off a ways without us.  They had freedom!  And they were relishing it!

Dinner, we roasted hot dogs and had a side of beans and salad.  And then eventually settled in for story time and sleep...

And then all was quiet .... well, except for a few noisy neighbors.... but anyways, for the most part it was good.  Just mom and dad sitting by the fire.   

No distractions.  no computer, no phone, no tv, no kitchen to clean.  Just us being still.  Under the stars.  And quietly chatting about big and small things.  It was better than any date night we would pay a babysitter for.  

Day 3

There's definitely no sleeping in when you're {tent} camping!

I knew the reason would be clear as to why I got the over-sized sleeping bag!

More rock-hopping with new friends.  

Before packing up to head home we squeezed in one more 2 mile hike!

Lessons in Stop, Look, and Listen.  One must always be aware of their surroundings!

We eventually found a great spot to stop for a snack and water break.  And to reinforce Rule #3.

Soon after this we turned back for camp, packed up, and went home.  

We were / are SO proud of our little campers!  They really did a great job and loved every minute of it.  Thankfully, the weekend lived up to each and every one of our expectations.  Even though Garrett and I grew up camping .... it had been years for both of us .... and it was an awesome realization / experience to come full circle and be the 'grown-ups' of the camp.  We brought home so many memories, many of which I did not get on camera.  Like the endless games of frisbee or Gavin's little hula-like dance he would do to persuade the smoke of the campfire to change directions...  but that's ok; because we were in the moment, enjoying each second.