Backyard Camping

For a long time I've wanted to take the kids camping because I know how much I loved it as a kid, and how much Isaac has enjoyed it (the few times he's been). But honestly the thought of dragging my pregnant belly out to the middle of nowhere, hauling all of our crap just to wash loads of stuff the next day, didn't sound appealing. Cue the backyard!!

We opted for camping in the backyard for obvious reasons, and the fact that Audrey has never been and I had no idea how she'd react to sleeping anywhere but her bed. This way if we got too cold, scared, or had to deal with potty trips we'd have our house just a few feet away. But what about the campfire? Exploring a new wilderness? Getting dirty? Cue the lake!

 

Just a few miles north of us is a beautiful area with a lake that we thought would be perfect. All we had to do was load up the grill and some food and off we went. The kids had time to get messy and see new places. Though we didn't have a campfire (but that equals less laundry for me!) we still got to enjoy some good old hot dogs and even s'mores. 

 

 The kids were stoked to be sleeping in the tent. Audrey kept saying "this is my favorite!", and even said it first thing when she woke up the next morning. They would probably sleep out there every night if we'd let them! I'll admit, it was nice to be cozy and together in the tent and I was pretty stoked too. Even the air mattress was pretty comfortable!

And we all made it through the night even though it was pretty warm and humid still and the wind was blowing our tent pretty good. Yes, Isaac was up at 5:15, but thats ok because this was probably one of the best memories we'll have as a family!