Camping

My dad really enjoys camping and thought it might be fun to go camping with as many has his grand kids as possible. We really liked the pool at Nat Soo Pah when we were there earlier this summer so I suggested it. I was really happy with where we went. This is the first time that we have gone camping. I camped as a kid and Madison has gone to girls camp but this is the first time for us to go together. Also the first time for Allison and Ashley at all. Kevin wasn't able to make since he is the the last class of his Masters right now. We were all bummed but know that he will have more time on August 26th when his Masters is over.

Uncle Chris was also not able to get off work so Papa picked his kids up so they could be there. We arrived on Thursday and got camp set up. As dinner was winding down the sky changed color and it looked like rain was threatening. Thankfully it only sprinkled very little but unfortunately there was wind. Not just a breeze but strong wind. One of my dads tents blew over and broke. It was miserable.

We kept an eye on the tents and sat around and waited for the wind to die down under our lowered canapy. When the wind died down we prepared for bedtime. With one tent broke, Anna and Devany moved into our tent. We had plenty of room. Our tent was deemed the girls tent. Once we were settled into bed the wind started again. Ashley did not like it one bit. At one point she informed me that I could go drop her off at Nana's house. She had already had enough of camping and was done. I convinced her we would be ok and she settled in to a restless sleep. I was so nervous the whole night that one of our tent poles were going to break that I was saying a prayer in my heart all night and didn't sleep much. All the girls in my tent slept very restless.

Early in the morning the wind died down and we were able to get a couple hours of sleep. When we awoke the clouds were all gone and it looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. We checked to make sure that everything was ok and then started breakfast. It was fun to cook over a fire with my dad.

When we were done with breakfast and it was all cleaned up we got ready to head to the pool. We had 8 very excited kids to jump right in. We spent most of our day at the pool. The youngest 3 Ashley, Aiden and Devany were going nonstop for most of the day.

The older kids also had their fair share of fun.

The slide was another big hit.

Ashley rode the slide again over and over again.

She kept on trying to convince Aiden to ride it with her but finally gave up. I guess Aiden has always been nervous in water and it was a big step for him to being playing as comfortably as he was. He didn't like to go past the rope where he couldn't touch the whole time. One time we were all hanging out in the deeper part adn was scanning the pool to make sure Aiden was ok. I didn't see him anywhere and was starting to get concerned until he caught my eye coming off the slide.

We were all pleasantly surprised especially Ashley. For the rest of the day Ashley and Aiden went up and down the slide. It is amazing where they get their energy. It was a great day coming and going from the pool. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and made some lasting memories. Once we were thoroughly pooped we called it a day at the pool and went back to camp for dinner and some smores.

It was a great evening. Uncle Chris and Aunt Rachel showed up before we headed to bed to help get everyone home the next day.

The night went much smoother then the previous and everyone slept like a baby.

I couldn't get these two out of bed. They must have really worn themselves out swimming. When we finally got them up so we coultake the tent down it took them awhile to wake up.

It was weird not to have Ashley wake up her normal bubbly self.

We got everyone packed up and took one last picture before we all headed our separate ways.

My parents had all of their grand kids camping with them except one. We had a great time and talked about doing this on an annual basis so our kids can hang out with their cousins more. I can't wait till we get together next year.