Last Camping Hoorah

A few weeks back we went camping with some friends at Pinecrest Lake, actually its probably been a month or more. Anyways, we all had a really nice time. Camping is always so fun when you go with good friends. We went with our friends the Drinkwaters, and Toutais. Our kids really all get along really well and have a blast together. We had decided this time that we would bring our little tent for the kids to be able to play in. They loved having a kids tent!!! It was so messy and dirty, it was perfect for them.

Mapuana, Ryan and Payton 

Payton insisted on bringing his Curious George monkey, and Bult. All the kids played with them and carried them around everywhere. Both were extremely dirty by the time we got home from our camping trip. 

The two youngsters of the group are Scarlett and V. Scarlett was pretty good about staying around all the kids, but they all loved playing with the water spout on the side of the road. So they were constantly getting wet and then would end up being muddy. I just don't waste my time cleaning off Scarlett's hands and face while camping there is no point. V was held most the time or would sit on the table in his bumbo. Justin even took his turn holding V.

Ryan and Payton waiting for their food.

Mo patiently waiting

Mapuana waiting...

Austin also waiting.

I just love this picture of V with his dad. A very cute father son moment.

V trying to see whats going on behind him. Ryan and Payton playing with the bow and arrow. The kids loved playing on these tree stumps. The nicest part about camping is the kids can just run around and be free. They also get very creative on the games they come up with to play. It's very cute to watch. 

Scarlett seems to be a lot of fun to take pictures of. She just has the most amazing blue-gray eyes, white-blonde hair and fair skin. She really is a doll!

We just can't help but love this little girl. She is adorable, but a firecracker!

Saturday we spent a few hours at the lake before the rain came in.

The kids played in the boats and had a good time

Ryan is the oldest so he is usually the one in charge of controlling the boat. He does a really good job at it. It's nice that they can go out and float together. Our kids are becoming more and more independent. WEIRD!!!

Lo took Mapuana and Mo out on the boat and tried to do a little fishing. They didn't catch anything, but they still had fun trying. 

Scarlett is on a mission. Who knows what kind of mission, but I am sure the kind where she causes trouble. We definitely have to watch her a times. She likes to hit and LOVES taking things and saying, 'MINE'!!! Typical 19th month old!

Like I said earlier we stayed at the lake until the rain came in. Yes, you read that right...it rained. Camping in the rain isn't that bad as long it only lasts for a short time. It rained for a few hours, but all our tents held up and we were able to stay dry. 

We had to prepare our dinner while it was raining, but it slowed down and we were not getting soaked.

The kids of course were in and out of all the tents. They mostly dragged a lot of mud into the kids tent so that really worked out.

Our rain protection over the tables.

Lo with his rain poncho on! Scarlett and Josh walking around enjoying the fact that it stopped raining.

Payton and Ryan once again!

Beautiful scene of the out doors. It's just amazing!

The kids out playing and being crazy of course.

Krista holding V trying to keep him happy.

Mother daughter time!

 Not the best, but I totally hit the targets!

 

Josh is the best teacher! Thanks dear for the experience!

With the profession that Josh is in we have some guns of course. We were able to do a little bit of target practice while we were out camping. Josh and I were surprised because Payton actually wanted to try and shoot the gun. He was totally fine with it. Josh held it of course and was in total control. Payton mostly pulled the trigger. 

I know most people think guns are scary and totally dangerous and I agree to a point. But I also know that if you own any then the kids need to know what they are and learn about gun safety. 

One thing I am sure we will do as a family is have our times when we go to the shooting range or go target practicing. I am ok with that! 

Guns still scare me a lot, but Josh is very good about teaching us the rules!

All in all our camping trip was very fun and relaxing!!!

I am excited for next summer and the many summers after that. These camping trips will become a tradition and a memory that our kids will always have.