Memories, Memories, Memories...

Well, well...we're home from our annual extended family camping trip! And what an experience it was. We have lucked out for 7 years with good weather for these excursions...so I guess it was about time to get dumped on. Rain, rain, and more RAIN was precisely what happened to us this time around. We managed to come home with 5 soggy and crabby kids, 2 dirty dogs, 2 bug infested tents, 10 soaking sleeping bags, 2 suitcases full of drenched clothing, and memories that will last a lifetime! :D

Just when we were about to leave the fun to come home early the sun managed to come out. We dried out our bedding as best we could and crawled back into our tents for one more night. The final day of any camping trip ends up being the best weather and that held true. The sun shone bright above as we packed up all of our belongings.

We always have a blast with Matt's side of the family on these annual rendezvous...and this year was no different. I laughed until my side hurt and ate until I wanted to go to sleep for a week. We enjoyed a huge family game of kickball followed by a huge water fight in the lake...where I think I may have beat Matt for the first time ever.

Look at the mischief on that adorable face!

Due to the kennels being full for the holiday weekend it was our *ahem* "pleasure" to bring our two dogs along. The first night we were up most of the night not due to the children but due to our dogs! They decided 2am was a fun time to wrestle...then they got out of their kennel...and Mocha wanted to sleep with the kids in their tent. It was some good times!

Mocha was thrilled to be camping in the rain!

On of the most exciting memories from the weekend was that our little girl learned to ride a bike without training wheels. We couldn't manage to get her bike packed with everything else. I felt so bad for her as she watched all the kids ride their bikes around in circles. This girl can be found outside my window on her bike almost everyday we are home...so I knew how much she wished she had it there with her. I asked her if she wanted to try riding her sister's bike...and she excitedly hopped on! It took about two times around the circle and she had it!!! I made Matt take her out again so I could get some pics. :) As I type she is riding past my window back and forth. She is so proud of her new accomplishment...and so am I!

I adore the way Hudson is admiring his big sis here!

No trip is complete without us finding some sort of creature. Abigail informed me today that she is quite certain these creatures are now dead. We are very sorry! But thank you for the photo opportunities that you presented me and the hands on learning that we are able to have for that afternoon, Wee Little Mr. Toad and your feathered friend Miss Baby Birdie.

She was in love with this toad!

Yes, look closely and you can see it's wee little head peaking out while being poked by the kids!

Next year it is our turn to be in charge of the planning...

We are feeling very drawn to book a hotel with a water park...