Some first steps

Camping and Dirt biking

I should start with the disclaimer that we have never been camping in the ten years we have been married. And yet we decided to go on a cold, wet Memorial Day weekend in the northern Washington mountains to give it a try. A little crazy? Yup. The kids were so excited. Even Alexa, at one year old could tell that something was going on and as we loaded the surb she would hand me things or drag things out to the side of the car. I was so excited. I over packed, and took too much food, and didn't pack a few necessaries, and asked advice from everyone. Scott was excited. He loves to go ride in the mud on a damp weekend. He says it is the absolute best time of year to go.
We arrived after driving for about 5 hours ( with kids it always takes longer--but that's ok it's a vacation, and there are no schedules to follow, and I have to add a Mom who likes to take detours to see the sights off the beaten path) to a huge meadow up in the mountains with RV's all around, lots of families hanging around, and most everyone knew each other. I guess this dirtbiking weekend is a big tradition. We set up the tent, which we didn't end up sleeping in -Thank goodness- and gathered some fire wood while the guys went to use the chain saw and get some logs for burning. The kids explored and climbed and rode their bikes, and played Frisbee and soccer a little. We ate some foil dinners- tasty! and then had smores over at the next camp. We all got a bit dirty and stinky from 3 full days of campfires and dirt floors. Who am I kidding---it was more than a little bit. Kiara went barefoot some of the time. Her feet are so tough because she always goes barefoot, and shoes only stayed on a short while before we would find them laying on the ground somewhere. The baby is learning to walk, but she prefered to crawl, and she didn't complain about the grass or dirt, so I let her. lol. Jace took his first solo ride on a little Honda 50 dirt bike, and after that first ride I think he was constantly on a bike, either with Scott going faster or on the little one toodling around slowly. He and Kiara both took a ride on the zip line that some other campers set up. Lyssa loved the smores and talking with people around the campfire. The only thing she detested was the lack of a bathroom. I enjoyed the fresh mountain air, hearing the birds, tasty food, and evening bonfires. We had the best time! Really relaxing. Our friend who we camped with brought up an RV for us to sleep in. The cold would have been too much for the little ones. And we found out our tent leaked. I guess we have to waterproof it?! So I have a little list of things we need to get or do differently for the next time we camp, and the plan is to go a few more times this summer. Yeah! I think the consensus is that it was totally fun and worth it.
It actually felt claustrophobic to come back home and be in the house. It took more than a week to get all the camp gear washed and stowed back away in the garage and out of the living room. The big kids did not want to go back to school the next day. Oh, the moans and groans that were heard!