Camping!!!

This is our last week before the craziness of summer camps, so we decided to take a night and go camping on Monday night. We got a new "family tent" this past winter at Cabela's, to use in place of our little 2-man tent for now. We tried to surprise the kids, but they heard us talking about tents and figured it out. They were so excited to go camping! Our first stop was Walmart, to pick up air mattresses, a tarp, and a few other things we needed for the trip. Then it was off to the campground. It was a campground that I had never been to, and Jared had been to years ago (it was his suggestion - thanks, Hon!). It's right on a lake, and there are tennis courts, a soccer field, volleyball nets, a big playground, a nice place to swim, lots of area to run around. It was perfect! We had such a wonderful time. It was just nice being away together as a family, since I know we won't see much of Jared this summer. The weather was really nice and warm when we arrived, and got super windy that night. The next morning was not quite as warm, but still wonderful. Parker didn't sleep real well, so we were all pretty tired yesterday, but it was so worth it! I love camping, and it's something I want my kids to grow up loving, too.Jared "roasted" marshmallows over our camp stove for s'mores, because we forgot to bring any wood for a fire!What a sweet smile! Parker sure loved the playground!Ellie really enjoyed the obstacle course on the playground. At first she wanted Jared's help, but before long she could do it all herself! It was a real confidence booster for her.Both of our kids really love to climb. They liked having so many things to climb (including some boulders right in our campsite!).

Parker is a fair-weather water boy. He enjoyed playing near the water, but wouldn't go in because it was too cold.

Ellie loved getting in the water, even though it was pretty cold. She's our little water lover!

Jared and Parker sleeping in the morning - what sweet angels!