While memories of the sand and surf of August days still lingered in our minds, our bodies were rested and ready for the next adventure. So as September rolled into October, we filled our van with all neccessary things and charted a course for a "new" and "distant" land. Well, it was new to us and more than 30 minutes away.
#1 Remember to get one last treat for the road, because you won't see QT for at least two days.
 |
Papa Bear Size and Mama Bear Size
|
Plus you'll need that boost of caffiene to aid you as you set up camp and get that fire going. If your dinner gets over-cooked, don't worry that just leaves more room for s'more. We like the sweet and salty kind - Saltines spread with peanut butter and chocolate chips, then topped with a melting marshmallow held in place with another cracker.
 |
Yep, they're good!
|
#2 Notice your surroundings and enjoy the outdoor sounds. Ahhhh.
 |
| A full moon |
Sleep if you can. When the kids finally fall asleep after all the excitement of seeing friends and being in a different place AND eating S'mores, you might be able to shut your eyes and doze if your throat doesn't start itching and driving you to have to get up and go to the car in search of a medicine that you mix with water that you drink that wakes you again in the "wee" hours to make the treacherously long trek to the bathroom and back up "leg burner" hill.
And then, BAM, morning comes and off you go. But it IS a beautiful day and you visit with other campers who happen to be your friends.
You go fishing in hopes of catching a "pet" fish.
 |
"I got one! Oops, it got away."
|
#3 Be Patient
 |
The fish will come to you, if you just wait.
|
Voila! What did I tell you? Look at that! Mission Accomplished!
 |
| Pet fish in a "to go" cup |
Too bad we couldn't take this little guy home with us.
Well, moving on. . .
We took a walk down to the "dry dock", just me and Little Lady.
Then it was time for a tent siesta while Lady kept watch.
# 4 Don't forget to be sociable with your neighbors even if they are weird, "unsocialized" homeschoolers like yourself. Enjoy a meal together. Roast marshmallows and sing songs around the campfire.
# 5 Make sure the kids play hard, so they sleep good.
The next day, you will feel more rested, too.
# 6 Remember to pack an extra pair of shoes, in case your other ones get full of lake water.
 |
| Drying boots by the fire while chatting with Dad |
Real boys CAN wear their sister's pink boots in a pinch, but with a bit of planning ahead that CAN be avoided.
#7 Involve the kids in "breaking camp". It will be a valuable lesson. And they like taking things apart better than putting them together.
#8 Remember that men like to cook when you're outdoors, so give them the opportunity as often as possible.
 |
| My man cooking lunch |
#9 Let your kids play in the fire (WHAT? I can't believe I said that.) with adult supervision of course. They love to throw pinecones and sticks in and watch them blaze.
 |
| This was their favorite part |
# 10 Remember to put out your fire before you leave. Happy Camping!
