Backyard Camping

I love summer because it means my days are filled with one thing....

this girl right here!

We have been keeping SUPER busy (hence the lack of blogging).  I'm pretty sure every day we have something planning.  We really wanted to go camping this summer but it always feel through, so Pa did the best he could and we did some good ol' fashioned backyard camping.

The kids were ecstatic.  They could not wait to get inside that tent.  Once it was set, they grabbed their gear and claimed there spots.

And what's camping if it doesn't involve fire and s'mores?

I love camping.  I remember always going camping with my dad when I was younger.  I want so badly for my kids to have those same memories.  I love being outside surrounded by the great outdoors.

I love telling stories late into the night and cuddling up in my sleeping bag to keep warm (only to have it completely off of me when I wake up). I love the crisp morning air and sipping hot chocolate while waiting for breakfast to be made.

I love it all.  Although we were only a few feet away from the comfort of a kitchen and flushing toilet, it was magical.  After s'more and some late night fire roasted hot dogs, we settled into the tent for the night.

 The kids wanted to tell stories and Brennen demanded we tell ONE princess story and the rest Transformer stories.  I began my story of Princess Eden and Princess Ever trapped in a tall tower guarded by an evil dragon awaiting their rescue by Prince Brennen and Prince Bennett.. as the story unfolded (with the help of a lot of input) all were rescued and returned to the safety of King Pa's Castle.  Once the story concluded, Brennen informed me that we better stick to ALL princess stories. 

The kids then took turns telling stories but always deferred to me to finish.  There were tales of brave knights fighting bears and entering the magic butterfly kingdom.  There were adventures of magic dragon eggs and training them to fly.  There were also epic battles of courage and strength.  The tent was transformed into a magically gateway of imagination and pretend that you could almost taste.

As the fairy dust and dragon's breath fading away, we settled down with our favorite primary songs and each child took turns saying the family prayer.  As kids were tucked in and kissed goodnight, my dad and I heard sleepy voices say "I love camping in Pa's yard" and "uh- HUH" confirmed by the rest and it made my heart smile.