I’ve been talking about “going on our first family camping trip” for a few years now – and every summer the thought of dirty children, waking each other up all night in a tent, keeping Sammy from running into the campfire and bugs (not to mention sleeping on the ground) has made me put it off.  Clare’s school planned a camping trip for all of the families and staff this summer so we bit the bullet and signed up.  It was just an overnight about half an hour away, so it was pretty nice and easy.  We hauled out a tent that JP and Deb gave us a few years ago (a big six-man tent that I remember thinking “I can’t imagine needing that much tent” and now loved having all of the space for the kids’ gear) and loaded up on instant oatmeal and baby wipes. 

It was great!  When we showed up Clare got out of the car, looked around and said “Where is the camping?  When does it start?”  Well, this is it kid.  She quickly got into the swing of things.

We shared a campsite with our nannyshare partners and Clare ADORED spending two whole days playing with her bestie G.  The kids just played and played, running between camp sites to see their friends and teachers, digging in the dirt with sticks, finding bugs, swinging in the hammock and giggling non-stop. 

On Saturday afternoon we took a little hike down to the river and found a really lovely little beach.  It had a sandbar that went out 20 or so feet, which was perfect for the kids.  They could “swim” and splash and J and I could wade along next to them.  Clare enjoyed it but Sammy particularly loved it.  He literally got down on his belly in the water and crawled in the river for twenty minutes.  I think he was imitating the bigger kids swimming, but he may just have wanted to fully immerse himself.  Either way, I’ve never seen a toddler enjoy swimming so much.

Sammy spent most of his time on dry land grabbing rocks and running away from us.  I look forward to camping in the upcoming years when I don’t spend half of my time chasing after Sammy.  I think that next summer camping will be a more common family event for us.  Still, our first one has made for some good memories.

One of the highlights of July was the Blues Fest, complete with visits from Grandma T and Grandpa Dan, Pat, Dave and Terri. 

Of course, what makes a birthday party is the celebration of friends and family.  Because we had a huge farm at our disposal inviting tons of school and family friends just meant adding an extra deli tray or two.  All told I think we had 30 people, about 17 of them were kids.  Clare kept adding school friends to her invite list and I kept saying “OK, it’s your birthday.”  It was great to meet some of her little school buddies and their families, and also share a fun day with our usual friends/nannyshare folks/neighbors and families.

Ultimately the party was a success because Clare LOVED it.  She kept talking about the “bouncy house!” and “playing with C on the big slide!” and “the huge dogs!” and “eating the chocolate cake!” 



Does one of the “kids” in the bouncy house look a little big?  Yep, J couldn’t help himself.

Sammy’s already planning his next birthday!