So this is a SUPER long post, but definitely a fun and exciting adventure worth documenting! Back in June a good friend of mine, Suzy, commented that she really wanted to take her girls camping and asked if my girls and I would like to tag along. I was stoked! This was going to be a blast! I was totally planning on taking both of my girls. Then the day of the camp out my mom and Chad kept asking me if I was sure and kept offering to watch Madison. I finally decided that I would let Madison stay home and have fun with daddy while I took Kaylynn camping. I really felt bad about it and almost went back to get her while we were on our way. But I think it worked out well. Madison had some great one on one time with daddy and Kaylynn loved having me all to herself.
Anyway, onto the grand camping adventure! I must admit that parts of this post are going to sound an awful lot like Suzy's post (she's not behind on her blog and posted her's weeks ago!) because it's about the same adventure and Suzy is honestly one of the funniest people I know and I laughed so hard while reading her post!
I think Suzy picked the absolute best camp site out there. It had a pond, fire pit, it backed up to the Boise River and it had a BATHROOM with running water! Perfection: Suzy's parents backyard!
The girls (Kaylynn's BFF Kate, Kaylynn and Faith) all ready to go canoeing/paddle boating! And in Suzy's words, "There is an added feeling of security when your personal flotation device has a crotch strap."
The pond was gorgeous with beautiful swans. Kaylynn and I were in the paddle boat and she wouldn't let go of my hand the whole time, she was absolutely terrified of falling in. But she finally relaxed and did enjoy it.
After the paddle boating adventure the girls played in the sand. Kate and Faith lost interest rather quickly and started wading in the pond. Kaylynn on the other hand had no interest in the pond and made a sand castle!
Poor girl's face goes bright red when she gets hot!
Kate eventually persuaded Kaylynn to go into the water...but they went in a little too deep and Kaylynn couldn't touch the bottom. After some crying Kate pushed her to where she could touch the ground and...
Kaylynn booked it outta the pond!
After we the pond we decided to conquer dinner. There was a turkey there when we arrived to our campsite but when dinner time came, it had disappeared! So we went back to plan B. Hot dogs. While we walked over to the fire pit (which had a ton of debris already in it) Suzy told me that when she was in girls camp years ago she got the "Best Campfire Builder" award. So, she went at it like only an experienced campfire starter would. With a lighter. It was taking a while but the kids had absolute confidence in Suzy. Luckily Suzy's husband Mike stopped by to see how we were all doing and was able to help get the fire going.
Oh yes, who doesn't love a real roasted hot dog blackened and covered in ash.
After eating our super yummy hot dogs we went about setting up our tents. Suzy's dad offered to set hers up before they headed out of town. But no, we wanted to do it ourselves. I had visions of me showing Kaylynn how to set our tent up and the feeling of accomplishment that would come with it. Well, the girls basically ran around and played while Suzy and I (with the help of Mike!) put our tents up. Mine went up relatively easy, but Suzy struggled a little with hers. Maybe she should have taken her dad up on his offer to set the tent up for her...
Attempt #1.
Attempt #2.
This shot still make me laugh uncontrollably! (Later on Suzy's dad discovered that there really was a pole missing)
So Suzy very generously offered the tent to the girls for the night. They were excited to have a no-mommy-tent! Next we had a blast swimming in the pool. No pictures, you're welcome.
After swimming we discovered that our great billowing fire was indeed out. We also decided that we really didn't want to attempt to get it going again. But, what kind of campers would we be if there were no s'mores involved? Again, the perfect campsite: there's a kitchen. With a microwave!
Then it was off to bed, the girls (except Faith) weren't tired even though it was around 10:30 pm. So Suzy attempted to bore them to sleep with a story about the life cycle of an acorn. It didn't work.
After several trips to the bathroom (after I had sort of bragged to Suzy about Kaylynn's bladder of steel. Seriously this girl never has to go after bed and she went a ton that night! sheesh, you gotta love it when your kids turn you into a liar!), a panic attack that the moon had disappeared (the sensory light on the patio had turned off!) and a general insomnia that was very unevenly distributed Faith and Kaylynn ended up in the mom tent for the night. I think Kate ended up getting the most sleep though!
It was a very long night. Apparently nature sounds and I don't get along when it comes to sleeping. Somewhere around the crack of dawn we had a friend visit. I really wish I could have gotten a glimpse of him. I swear he sounded just like KEVIN, the huge bird that eats chocolate in the movie Up. Don't know which one I am talking about? Here's a photo to jog your memory.
Haven't seen Up? Well you don't know what you are missing. Anyway, I digress. He was awake and he was LOUD! And it seemed like he was right outside our tent. Good Morning.
When everyone was awake we ate cereal and then had to head home. It was a very eventful night and I think it is safe to say we all had a blast. But, I'm okay if we don't go camping again for awhile. It's exhausting!
June 23-24, 2010
