a' camping we will go...

a’ camping we will go, hi ho the derry o’, a’ camping we will go!

and that we did – our first ever family vacation!

awesome!  as with most things – that which is the most rewarding is the most work.  indeed.

we left just after noon on friday.  we drove.  we met up with friends.  we drove some more.  we shopped.  we drove some more.  we set up camp.  we built a fire.  we roasted marshmallows and forgot graham crackers.  we listened to guitar while sitting in the dark.  we had less sleep than we’ve had since giving birth to the last child.  we got up with the sun and made coffee and conversation.  we made bacon and eggs while the kids ran and played.  we looked over the top of the mountain.  we were in awe and absolutely stressed about active children and steep cliffs.  we saw the top of an amazing waterfall.  and forgot to take the camera.  we visited a bee farm and learned about the processing of honey.  we tasted honey fudge and bought honey salsa.  we promised to come back.  we played at a playground in the rain.  we suffered in the tent with 4 small bored active children while the storm made it’s presence known.  we debated coming home.  we stuck it out.  we slept in cold wet blankets in the strongest wind i’ve ever experienced.  we woke up colder than we expected.  we packed quickly.  we drank more coffee.  we tried to take only pictures and leave only footprints.  we drove down the mountain reading the wizard of oz and enjoying the warmth of the van.  we sorted out leftovers, equipment and good feelings mixed with exhaustion at our friend’s house.  we all agreed it was more fun than we ever thought it would be and made plans for the next trip.