7.18.2007

Happy Camper




Some might call me high needs, up-tight, control freak, prissy. I can't function without a shower in the morning. I eat the same exact things for breakfast and lunch...every day. I drink filtered water and good coffee. I hate rodents and filthiness. I'm afraid of many animals, especially bats at night. I bathe my babies everyday because I like them to smell good. I really, really like the microwave and refrigerator...convenience at my fingertips. I don't like to be too cold...or too hot. I LOVE a clean bathroom. Oh, and so many more. You get the picture...

So why in the heck do I like camping? If I have all of these lovely things at home, why do I spend days and days packing up and preparing to go sleep outdoors for four nights? Camping is such a weird thing. And, of all people, I should not like it...but I LOVE CAMPING! For some odd reason, when I'm out camping it doesn't matter much if my feet are black with dirt or I drink sludge in place of coffee. I actually like cooking on a gas stove and if I close my eyes in the campground shower, I'm even okay in there! Something about choosing to live an altered life for a few days makes many of the things I'm usually concerned about acceptable and actually enjoyable. Hmmm....makes me think a little about how my attitude and choices affect how I experience life in so many other areas. Anyway, I love so many things about camping, but mostly I love that we choose to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of life together. I think that is what is so special about the experience--strip away convenience and you get a more organic environment for developing relationships with family and friends.

We recently spent four nights camping with our good friends from our old home, Phil and Aleah (and their four giggling monkeys). It doesn't seem possible that it has been an entire year since we've seen them. I think that is when you know you have good friends...when you can pick up right where you left off. No awkwardness, no formalities. Just easy and fun. And it was relaxing...as relaxing as it can get with six young children! Thanks Phil and Aleah--we look forward to many more years with you on our annual camping trip!

Oh, and thank you also for the extra pictures of the trip...filled in my gaps in my slide show!

9 comments:

Aleah said...

I love, love, love your slide show!
Exactly what I was thinking...I love being able to pick up where we left off! And we love camping with you guys!
You've got two cute, sweet, good little boys!
Talk to you soon!

Love, Aleah

Wendy said...

Love, Love, Love camping! It is such a great way to build family memories. I love being away from all the distractions and just being together living a truly simple life, even if just for a couple days.

So glad you had a great time!

Andi Mae said...

Yay! You're back! I've been checking like a million times a day for pictures...I didn't realize you guys were going to be gone for four nights :)

It looks like you had an awesome time! I wish that we could go camping this summer, but things are just a little too crazy around here right now :)

P.S. And I love how the slideshow looks really vintage!

Jenn @ Knee-Deep in Munchkin Land said...

Oh wow! That looks just amazing! And I especially loved the "old-fashioned" slideshow. It made me feel like I was watching old home movies with my grandparents. I'm so glad you guys had such a great time!

And I am SO, SO, SO happy you're back! You've been greatly missed!!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! Imiss reading your blog.Looks like you guys had fun. Love the pictures

Vicky

Carrie said...

Looks like a fun trip! Any advice for a mom who's going to be sleeping in a tent with two kids in a couple of weeks? (Family reunion at the cabin, but too many people to all fit in the house)

Anonymous said...

The slideshow ROCKS!! And seriously, I am with you - I LOVE CAMPING!!! And I am about as girlie-girl, clean house/feet/babies as they come!! But yes, there is certainly something about packing up all that is basically necessary for survival, safety, and sleep - it always makes me realize what I can live without! I usually come home and declutter!!! No tv, no internet, just family time! (Even with friends - we go on a similar annual camping trip with friends but it is about 10 families every year with LOTS of kids! SO FUN!!)

We are heading camping sometime after the kids and I get home from Canada - we could sure use a weekend away with Daddy!!!

Glad you had so much fun!!

One day we should organize a Camp Blogger - a camping trip for bloggers & their fams!!! How fun would that be??

Jennisa - Avery and Livvie's Mommy! said...

That was fun to watch! So glad you guys had a fun time! What a great way to relax and be a family!

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

Welcome back!

I am not so "prissy" in real life (smile), but I do. not. like. camping.

But I'm glad you do - and I'm glad you had so much fun, too! :)

About Me

My Photo
*WIFE* to a great man *MAMA* to Parker, Griffin & Hollyn *BLESSED* to be living out this dream & always... longing to be *LOVELY*

Our Family

Our Family

Followers

Designed By:

Munchkin Land Designs



 
Designed by Munchkin Land Designs • Copyright 2013 • All Rights Reserved