One with Nature (or seven)

Lissa (on right) with some buddies by a cool fort!

Bear and Big D in a "brotherly" hug

Mc (on left) with Bethie, Jordan and Mollie (Aaron and Ty behind)

Proof that we had Dutch Over Yumminess!

Bear, Pop and Me!

Our ward camp out was this last weekend. We did not realize that it was a 2.5 hour drive, otherwise we would not have waited for the kids to get out of school to depart. (Mistake #1) Thus in our ignorance, we left at 5 p.m.! We arrived in the dark and in the RAIN. Oh yeah---nothing says "fun camping" as when it is raining. Woo Hoo---let's set up a tent and see if our toddlers will sleep.

Ironically, we had performed a big ol dutch oven dinner the night before on the side of our house so that Big D could finish his Outdoorsman requirement leading to the Arrow of Light---code lingo for Cub Scouts. (We knew we wouldn't get to the camp ground with enough time to dutch oven--so we did it ahead of time)

Nonetheless, we thought we would stop on Friday night and grab a bite to eat! Whoa---can we possibly be wrong twice? Oh yes we can. We did stop---but the line was out the door in the little Wendy's restaurant. We waited about 12 minutes, but as the line was not moving, and as the sky was turning from dark to truly dark (including lightening from above mentioned rain) we opted to eat the granola bars in the car and continue on our way. We passed no other eating establishments. Ya hoo! Is this fun or what?

I thought about the Olympics playing so enticingly back at my dry home with lots of food in the fridge and big ol cozy bed with soft sheets! I tentatively mentioned to my kiddos that we did NOT have to go---and that we could drive back home and roast marshmallows in the backyard---Oh my did that go over poorly! No way! We're driving, and we're getting wet and dirty the good ol fashioned camping way! After all we had been driving for 2 hours by that point!

Well, when we arrived two terrific guys from our ward help set up our tents! Lissa who was supposed to perform in our ward "opening ceremonies" (the outing had an Olympics theme) miraculously did not miss the dance---and had a ball dancing with her friends in the wilderness rain!

It really was fun! Of course it was!

Although Pop cried every time I took her to the out house (she is potty training) She was terrified of that big stinky black hole. Truth be told, I guess I'm a little scared of that too! Euuwww.

Our ward made scones with honey butter---and there were loads despite the hefty crowd of attendance. We brought the makings for s'mores that we shared with every kid that ventured close to the fire (lots of kiddos ventured!) Nutritious dinner---perfectly suited to the woods!

Big D, Lissa and Mc disappeared with their friends, giggling and exploring only reappearing when they smelled the scones.

Bear and Pop were our little shadows and thought that the tent was the biggest adventure ever! They went to sleep some time after 10 and Hubby and I wandered chatting with friends here and there. We played a fun game called "Take your Pick" which we'll have to acquire sometime.

In the morning we had a traditional pancake feast and headed up the Olympic games: javelin throw (3 straws connected), discus (frisbees) and etc...

After several Nature Walks and plenty of exploring Hubby packed up the car and we headed home. The car was now filled with worn out people, a heap of dirt, several loads of laundry and fun memories. And I guess the memories are what keep us coming back for more.

PS. Although I am a little disappointed to have missed the whole Michael Phelps debacle first hand. It is amazing that he touched the wall first! We are loving the Olympics!