Camping #2

Time for a second batch of camping pictures.  These are from our second day.  We had nice sunny weather, but the campsite was still pretty muddy and buggy.  Saturday, the next day, rained so we packed camp and hurriedly packed up in the morning.  We had meant to stay most of that day but the rain sent us home.

Finnegan enjoying his pancakes, or “papes” as our family calls them.

Sunny morning smiles.

Ruby having her breakfast.

Wakin’ up.

Muddy Kira sunning herself on a rock.

My family.

Ruby laying in a mud bath.

Iris is never very far away from a Harry Potter book.

Good morning Sunshine.

Ahhh, coffee.  Me, not Tavie

Camping part 1, and Happy 2nd Birthday Finnegan!

Back from our first camping trip of the summer.  We camped at a new State Park for us, the Minnesota Valley State Park in Jordan, MN.  The campground is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from us so I’m not sure why we have not been there before.  We were scheduled to leave on Wednesday for Mariah State Park, but changed plans because of rain.  We still had a little rain on our trip, but Friday was a sunny, beautiful day at the camprground.

Our site was a bit muddy from all the rain we’ve had this Spring and I’ve never had so many mosquito bites in my life.  But other than those two complaints we had a great time.  I remember back in the day camping without kids was always so restful, peaceful, renewing.  I can’t say that I came away from our trip very rested, but the kids had a great time and family memories were created.  That is what counts.

We had two tents.  I slept in the big tent with the girls and Dez.  Blayne slept in the little tent with Finn and Ruby.  Our first night we arrived at about 4 and set up camp.  After all was settled we had a birthday dinner and camp pies roasted over the campfire for Mr. Finnegan to celebrate his 2nd birthday.  My big boy!

So, here are some pictures of our first night.  I’ll post more of the trip tomorrow.

B setting up the tents.  2 tents and 1 screen tent.  Jeeze!

Iris being helpful trying to get the fire going.

Finn being helpful trying to do some dishes.

Silly Kira

Still working on that fire.  Dez is being the cheerleader.

More tents and lots of love

Success!

Ruby chillin’

Yummy birthday pie baked over the fire

Making more pies to celebrate the birthday boy

Happy Father’s Day

Daddy got a new grill for Father’s day this year so the poor guy had to cook his own dinner.  We had a mellow day at home which is always nice.  Blayne is a great dad and that should indeed be celebrated.

We’re in the thick of getting ready for a camping trip this week.  I’m realizing that hike-in camp sites are probably not the best choice for us right now, much to my sadness.  We are exploring getting a pop-up camper, instead.  When the kids get older we can do things like hike the Superior Hiking Trail, but for now just getting out of the house is a big enough deal.  Our campsite this week is hike in – it’ll be a load of work but I’m sure it’ll be a blast.  More to come on the blog!

Tavie

My darling Tavie loves animals, just like her mama.

What is most important?

Family.  Kids.  Authenticity.  Being in the moment.  Love.

Kira and Tavie having a snack at a farm we visited recently to pick up some sheep fleece.

Finnegan – not sure if he’s eating catfood or a human snack.  He loves both.

Ms. Tavie at the conservatory at the Arboretum this early Spring.

Silly Ms. Iris with her nappy hair.

My Yarny girls.  Love this picture.  Need to get it framed.