From Sunday until Tuesday all four of us went tent camping at Carpinteria State Beach (CA). Rick asked me months ago if his birthday present (June 8th) could be a camping trip, so I quickly went online to reserve a space at a highly-desired state beach camping space (they go fast!). We had been looking forward to this trip, and it did not disappoint.
Our kids have been of course growing and maturing as they should, but I would have to say that this was the first time that Avalon was old enough to participate 100% in the family trip like everyone else. She rode her bike with Loudoun around the campsite, she was able to walk down to the beach without being carried, she was able to go to sleep in the tent with her brother, she roasted her own marshmallows, etc. No longer did she feel like the baby of the family...she was her own little person who camped just like the rest of us. Loudoun was full of energy and so excited to be outdoors. His favorites were fishing with daddy, checking out the tide pools, riding his bike and putting the wood in the fire pit.
The pictures look gloomy and cold, but the full day we had (Monday) was warm, sunny and perfect weather for all of our outdoor adventures. Here are some of my favorite pictures (I took a whopping 207, which shocks me since we were outdoors and roughing it).
I forgot how much fun tents are for kids. Downtime at camp was spent "playing" in the tent for hours.
The walk down to the beach.
Chilly first afternoon.
In his element.
Checking out tide pools with Daddy.
Avalon was more interested in the stairs, which worked out well for pictures.
This is so typical of my kids.
OK, guys, put your shoes on.
Hold on! I'm getting it! One second! I'm trying! Wait just a minute!
Our spot. Right behind the fence is a train track, which ran trains about 4-6 times a day (not at night). Rick was worried they would be bothersome after reading the campsite reviews online, but the trains were actually really cool to listen to.
Typical response to Kids, let me take your picture.
Avalon turned away, and Loudoun said, Mom, I'm trying to play my DS!
Must.have.chips.in.a.cup.
Helping dad with the fire.
My husband is a comedian.
Yum. I definitely over-indulged in toasted marshmallows.
If she says SMASHmallows forever, I will be one happy mom.
Telling ghost stories.
Look! It's sunny!
Passed out on day #2 at 5pm. Camping is hard work!
It was so nice to be one with nature, to enjoy the quiet sounds around us,
to get some alone time with God and quality time with my family.
This trip will be repeated in the future, for sure!
Dude. That's one scary BEAR you ran into at the campsite. Grrrr!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! It's nice to see that someone else's kids hate when you ask them to smile for a picture. I thought it was just mine.
When the kids get older, let's meet in Colorado and camp. :)
Looks like it was a blast :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of you and your hubby... and the kids!!! The kids are getting so big! They're too cute!
Your family is so precious! I love the one of Lou passed out. Napping on a camping trip is one of the greatest feelings. We really want to take the boys camping but we're just unsure how Ash will handle it. Because he's insane. I love tents though. I'd like one in my house.
ReplyDeleteI love these pictures! It all looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI love that you guys did this. What a bonding experience and such great memories!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures! The last one of the beach is beautiful. I love camping too, but in a trailer - you are braver since you tent camp!
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