First real family camp out this season. We did do an overnighter parked in Jared's parents back yard, but I'm not sure that counts.
We wanted someplace close because the kids (especially Kinsley) don't do well on long trips. Having never been there, we drove around looking for the perfect spot for a while. We got the trailer stuck and had to unhitch the car and re hitch it at a different angle just to get out. It took forever and we ended up going back to the first campground we saw.
There was some frustration when we got stuck in the first place, but I knew we would look back and laugh, so we decided we could laugh about it as we went. After all, everyone was fine and only Kinsley thought she was going to be trapped forever.
We finally got back to our original campsite and quickly got everything set up. I love our new trailer. It was SO fast to set up. We put the pre-made lasagna in the oven and headed off to the river to throw rocks. Even Preston figured out how to toss the rocks and make a splash. Kira just dropped everything on her feet and Kinsley thought it was a good idea to pick up the mud on the bank and fling that around.
 |
| Sweet smiling Kinsley |
 |
| Kira stacking rocks |
 |
| She refused to smile for the camera |
We soon moved on, walking around the campsite and letting the older kids know the boundary of where they were allowed to go and not go by themselves. Kira wouldn't hold my hand, insisting she walk by herself. She ended up hitting her head on a piece of wood, and then a few seconds later falling into a bush and cutting her hand a little. She didn't want to walk after that.
Taking the trio back to camp, I let them explore a little closer to the trailer. Jared took the big kids back to the river and then on a walk.
 |
| Filling up the fire pit |
The fire pit became the favorite place for the trio. They kept filling it up with rocks and dirt. Sorry to the next people who want a fire, we didn't bring a shovel to dig it back out. Preston was pretty good maneuvering around the terrain. We fell a lot, but never really got hurt, and didn't fall more than normal. Kira who had enough falls earlier resorted to crawling around. My most stable walker crawled over all the rocks. She was so funny because she would stand up and walk a couple feet, then get down and crawl when there was unsteady or uneven ground in front of her. She is a smarty for sure. Kinsley was so cute. She tried to walk a couple times, but mostly would crawl after the others and try to keep up. She is always being left behind, and somehow manages to stay happy about it.
 |
| Crawling on the uneven ground |
 |
| Crazy Boy! |
It started to rain before dinner, so we ate in the trailer. We hadn't planed to ever eat in the trailer, but sometimes you have to do what you don't want to, for the good of the group. Especially when you don't want your lasagna full of rain.
After dinner the big kids got dressed in rain gear and headed outside for a cookie and to play a bit. Then we brought them in and they watched a movie on the I pad until late.
Lincoln was up at 7 am like always! He wasn't quiet, but we somehow managed to keep everyone asleep until 8.
 |
| Dressed up in the rain gear. |
 |
| Playing at the edge of the river. |
It was raining again, so we had oatmeal in the trailer. Then the big kids got dressed up and headed out to play in the rain. Poor Lincoln got his hands so cold from playing in puddles. The trio wanted to go outside so terribly, but I wouldn't let them. We decided to pack it up. We had planned to stay a while longer, but with the rain, and the trio being cooped up, and Lincoln's cold hands, we decided to head out a couple hours early.
All in all a great experience. The big kids were so responsible with the river and staying within the boundaries we set up for them. They love camping and I love that they love camping.
 |
| Our attempt at a family photo. |
Jared was such an awesome dad and a wonderful team mate for me. Together we can do anything. We plan to go back soon. We didn't get to hike the lower Provo trail, which we heard was beautiful, and it being close to home, makes it a sure destination for an upcoming trip.
 |
| I LOVE CAMPING!!!! |
