Camping

 Jack and I had discussed taking the kids camping all summer.  It just never got beyond the 'discussion' phase of planning.  We knew the kids would have fun, but it is a lot of work and effort for the adults involved.  Then, as Labor Day weekend was approaching, we were trying to think of something fun to do with the kids to finish off the summer.  We talked about taking them to Water World, but I wasn't up to going and Jack wasn't up to taking three kids of different ages and interests by himself.  So Jack called his brother to see if he wanted to come along.  I don't really know how the conversation went, but they ended up planning a camping trip for the next weekend.  

 The kids were so excited to go.  This was their first tent camping experience.  Jack picked the girls up from school and headed straight up to pick David up.  Then they went up the Poudre Canyon to find their campground before it got dark.  Plans went according to schedule, except for one bout of carsickness.  (Notice Miriam is wearing her pajamas...)  The kids had a great time playing in the river, sitting around the campfire and finding out where the trails led.

Camping requires some unexpected events, and this outing was no exception.  Jack reported that the night was frigid, and that if we want to pursue camping as a family hobby, we need new sleeping bags to keep warm.  Luckily he brought an extra sleeping bag!  Breakfast was adventurous because the cooking stove we acquired while Jack was Scoutmaster no longer works.  Luckily the people camping next to them were very generous and let Jack borrow their stove to cook breakfast on.  

                         

When everyone arrived home, the kids were all still bouncing with excitement.  They told me about what a great time they had.  Jack looked exhausted and proceeded to take a nap.