Camping

Well as all responsible parents we took our kids out of school to go play for a long weekend! We joined up with some good friends, loaded up the cars, strapped on the kayaks and headed West to Salt Creek for a camping adventure. All in all it was a great weekend, and tons of fun but there were a few hiccups along the way. The most obnoxious being that Elayna and I both had colds and just didn't feel good. All I wanted was to be home in bed - but when we saw the perfectly clear sky and all the stars and just kept having fun... I couldn't help but be glad I was there instead of in bed - getting better!

We left Thursday night and got there later than we would have liked, but left a very sunny day behind to find a perfectly brilliant starry night. Thanks to Murray we had a tent large enough for our family and a few others if we had wanted! We did the traditional hot dogs and smore's, which was new to our kids. but they caught on quickly enough to the chocolate idea!



We had a decent sleep with the sounds of crashing waves and slight breeze through the trees (very relaxing). John had to chase racoon's away from our garbage during the night and I woke up with my body hurting everywhere from sleeping on the hard ground (I kept being kicked out of my sleeping spot by Elayna and Tyler) - and with the slight memory of what it was like being pregnant I was immediately grateful to not be and looked forward to a great day of not hurting!! We went out to find a very cool and foggy morning -

The boys were up and jumping, ready to go play in the boats. Our disorderly breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs and hash just wasn't going fast enough.. Then I needed some quiet time of my own so the dad's took the kids to go play at the playground while I cleaned up and packed up.. then we were off to go kayaking.



















We had a little picnic in the parking lot as the dads got the kayaks ready. Tyler had to eat in the boats, since he just couldn't stand not being able to touch them any longer.. and in all the odd things chose tomatoes over chips.. he's chosen tomatoes over ice cream before.. but this is almost getting out of hand! After we were all finished our lunches, we changed to wet-a-ble gear and took our walk along the cliffs and through the muddy beach, and watched as our foggy day turned into the most beautiful blue and sunny skies.

(I just love Candid's!!!)











































































Each of the kids had their turn in the kayak. going out and around that island you see in the background. Tyler was first and loved it - though he wasn't so sure about being splashed by very cold waves - and then being soaked! Elayna had her first ride - and loved it.. Though John said he heard some 'oh oh oh's' when she got splashed too! Weston was able to go for two rides, and was freezing when he got back since our sudden blue skies, were quickly changing to fog and cold again! But all of the kids loved it and are already planning going again.

























































Tyler took a go at rock climbing - and was rather skillful at it. Layna played on the beach mostly and after about 2 hours we were ready to all get into dry clothes and into our warm car! The drive home was a great nap for all but John, and we finished with dutch oven cobbler and grilled chicken and asparagus for dinner at the Squires home.






































The boys weren't ready to be finished camping, (we came home one day early because the boys had soccer early sat. morning). So we set the tent up in our front yard and invited the Squire boys over for a boy party. The mom's and babies got to sleep, very nicely, in our own beds. The boys had a great time with the six of them in a tent in our front yard. We had a much better pancake breakfast and finished in time to head out for soccer! It was a great camping trip, one which we will hopefully get to repeat soon. I just hope to not be sick!