Camping, day one

We headed out for our annual camping trip with the Olsons on Friday morning.  Well, by the time we left Stayton (with Frappucinos in hand!), it was more like 12:30.  We'd been praying fervently that we'd find a campsite, since we didn't have reservations anywhere.  It's how we roll, but it always makes me nervous.  One of these times, we're going to find ourselves up a creek, so to speak. 

Thankfully this was not that time.  We found a perfect spot at Ice Cap Campground, near Clear Lake.  (It was where we were hoping to camp.)  We camped there with the Olsons the first time we ever camped together (about three days before Jules found out she was pregnant with Madi).

The kids were SO excited to be camping.  And, of course, they were instantly filthy.  Much to my delight, Madi was every bit as dirty as Judson this year.  And even dirtier at times (those pictures will be in the next post).  Poor Madi had a cold and was a bit subdued at first.  In contrast to last year, where she did all the talking, Judson was definitely the bossy one this year.  They really are great friends, though, and we love that the Olsons are exactly at the same stage of life as we are.  It makes being together so much fun (and so much work).  :)

Friday consisted of setting up camp, lots of bike rides, and eating lots of yummy food.  Including toasted coconut marshmallows (made by Jet Puffed).  They're basically rolled in toasted coconut and they're AMAZING.  I'd wanted to try them for some time and was so glad I finally bought some.  They made spectacular S'mores (according to everyone but Matt, who wouldn't try one :).

Judson LOVED Madi's "Pinkalicious" bike.  She did a great job sharing with him.  He also rode his balance bike when it was her turn to ride her bike.  They were pretty excited about the head lamps, too.

They still fit!  (But only with a couple of pounds to spare, according to the weight limit.) Click here for last year's picture.

While the guys rode their bikes and pulled the big kids in the trailer, Jules and I carried the babies.  They spent A LOT of time in the Becos during the course of the weekend.  Jules and I had been dressed like twins (flashback to our teaching days when we once dressed nearly identically for the first day of school) until she took off her purple tank top.  :)

I really should get a commission from Beco.  I LOVE that carrier so much!

An attempt to keep the babies clean.  Emmitt was at the edge in literally about three seconds.  He decided he didn't like crawling in the dirt, though, so he kept crawling around the edges of the tarp.  It was quite funny.

First S'more of the year.  He stayed amazingly clean, which was great.  Especially since there was NO RUNNING WATER this year.  Seriously. 

Madelyn and Matt

Dirty girl

Ugh.  After Friday, I rarely put her down.  :)

And, finally, it was time for the kids to go down for the night and for the adult to get to RELAX.  Ah.  I sure do love sitting around the campfire, especially with such good friends!