Camping!!!

 This post requires a lot more exclamation points than that, but I will spare you all. I was SO excited that the girls and I were able to go camping this past weekend with some friends. I grew up camping for 1-2 weeks every year with my family, and was really missing it. It had been 7 years since my last camping trip (when I was pregnant with Lucy!). Matt was really sorry not to be able to join us, but has promised a family camping trip next year!

What I love about camping is that you are outside the whole time, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The experience is so sensual- feeling the air, smelling the pine needles and fire, hearing the gusts of wind and the crickets, seeing the trees and bark and rocks. It fills me up from head to toe! 

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, especially for late September- sunny and in the high 70s/low 80s during the day. The girls had an awesome time. There were 10 kids there, 9 of them between the ages of 3 and 6, so they had a ton of playmates. There were lots of games of tag in the woods, building of fairy houses, and general exploring. Not to mention throwing leaves and sticks in the fire, sparklers, glow sticks, s'mores, and hot cocoa.

Dinner by lantern-light on the first night.

Building a fire Saturday morning.

Clara standing proudly over the fairy house she built.

A close-up of the house.

The whole group, preparing for a big hike.

Lucy started strong, but the late night combined with a long week of school had tired her out, so she headed back early with some of our friends.

So beautiful.

Clara tackled some of the trail on her own.

Above the tree line- an amazing view!

A beautiful rock garden by the side of the trail.

My hiking partner.

The view at our feet was just as beautiful.

A nap on the way down. It made for a peaceful last part of the hike.

Cooking some delicious pork kebabs and baked potatoes.

Comic book reading.

A quiet morning, as I boil water on the stove.

My snuggle bunny.

There were also games and coloring when the kids wanted a break from running around.

Some fall colors on the way home.

Napping on the way home.

Having fun is hard work!