The Great Camping Caper

Lucy and Hayden

For those who know me well, you would not often choose the word "outdoorsy" to describe my personality. Don't get me wrong-I love to (day)hike and (lay out at) the beach, and (rent cabins in front of)the mountains, but when bugs and snakes and being uncomfortable start coming into play, I get the hibbie jeebies. However, I think camping made a big impact on my husband's childhood memories, so I have commited to making it a part of my children's memories. We started out with a one night "roughing it" tent sleeping father's day weekend event with our good buddies the Gores. Despite our air mattress deflating, 98 degree weather, ticks, and an early morning er visit for little Dane, we still managed to have fun. I keep thinking that SURELY we can improve our conditions next time around!

Knox and Dane-partners in crime. This is probably not the last time these two will hunker over a cooler together.

Fishin'

I know what you are thinking.."whos the friendly omish guy that is helping the kids fish?" Thats just Dan in his fancy hat.

The Barbie fishing pole reels one in! Lucy's first ever catch!

Sweet little Dane...this is pre-emergency room treatment for a burn to the arm.



And my crew...still happy after 24 hours of camping and barely any sleep. I have to be grateful for that!

Deasons

"Boy, I hear you in my dreams, I feel your whisper across the sea. I keep you with me in my heart, you make it easier when life gets hard."

-Jason Miraz "Lucky"

Happy Anniversary to Becky and Jay (not pictured, but in spirit, from Iraq).

Next year-same place, same time, but with all FOUR of you!

Popsicles

Dialogue inside my head one afternoon while watchin my children:

"Why, look at you two! Sharing your popsicles -like little Christian disciples-, genuinely wrapped up in this perfect memory of childhood summer. Well, I obviously must be doing something right in my parenting-I even have it captured on film! I can envision a popsicle themed page to your scrapbook...I bet I could find popsicle stickers and use real popsicle sticks as borders. Oh, I have GOT to get your father-he needs to relish this moment, too. We can all bask in the glory that is our family........(mommy runs inside for 10 seconds)"

And returns swiftly to reality.....

Better believe I am still putting that in the scrapbook!

Welcome to the world, Harrison!

Sam and Sarah Beth

Last year it was soccer and magic wands. This year its all about baseball and rock and roll! I think Molly's (Sam and Sarah Beth's awesome mommy) idea of having their picture taken with their favorite things is a great way to remember what life was like that year. Sometimes I do wonder if I will remember all the funny things my kids liked and how they knew the words to some songs or the silly names they give stuffed animals. Makes you want to bust out the camera doesn't it?!

(note the first lost tooth!)

(Thank you! We'll be here all week!)