First Camping of the Summer

A few weeks back we decided to go camping for one night as a family, pretty much spur of the moment. Girls were taking naps at home & we talked about how we could go somewhere close by when they woke up. I went to the store to get a few camp food supplies and we loaded up the trailer, packed a simple bag and off we went when the Littles woke up! We had heard of a campground an hour away we'd wanted to check out, but they were completely full. Aaron remembered another one just down the road so we drove to see if they had any room and low & behold they had ONE spot left! Perfect! We've gone every year of Audrey's life, but this was a very nice introduction to camping for the girls now that they are able to do more. It was a learning experience for all, but for just deciding to go 2 hours before we left, it really did work out perfectly!

Audrey's designated spot on the big ol stump.

Daddy & Audrey, crossing a bridge above the river.


Ellie sweeping the trailer out for us.




Purdy green eyed girl.

This was a very regular face of Ellie's. She was NOT a happy camper...

Girls shoveled dirt and rocks.

Sitting by the fire first thing in the morning.

Down by the river, cooling off.

Our humble abode.

Beautiful sunshiney smiles.

More wet river fun.

Audrey gathered some firewood.

Girls took turns walking Lucy.


A little morning hike on the trail all around the campground. This was one of the few moments Ellie wanted to walk...

What's not pictured is Ellie running down the path happily yelling "Can't catch me!" (Gingerbread man is a favorite book lately), until she tripped on a rock and fell, crying and wanting to be held again....

Ellie fell asleep on our hike. So yes, I carried her 90% of the hike. Oh the things I do for my babies.


Audrey was a true camper, she loved the simple things...playing in dirt, shoveling rocks, sitting on stumps, going on walks, skipping rocks with her Daddy, eating camp food outside and sleeping with her whole family in the trailer! Ellie had a bit of a rough time adjusting to the changes... she didn't like the aftermath of splashing in the river (she was wet and cold), she didn't like waiting for her food to be cooked on the grill. She didn't like walking. She didn't like being shushed because Mom & Dad were self conscious of nearby campers trying to enjoy the peace and quiet. She basically didn't like being away from home, and outside. We're hoping this was just because it was her first camp experience..and not that it will set the tone for her attitude on camping, since we do plan to have the girls grow up camping a lot!

I love these memories we can make as a family together. It warms my little heart out, even despite Ellie's cranky self. She let me hold her a lot, which I love. :)