Camping 2020

This summer has been busy yet not. We go through flows of stillness to running around like crazy. Which pretty much describes my personality. 

I have been looking forward to camping trips as a family since we had Addison. Summer of 2017 did not go as planned. Neither did 2018. Or 2019 as Elias was not allowed to be around smoke. Plus is feeding tube made being out in the wilderness slightly impossible. So we finally did it. This summer we squeezed in a total of 4 camping trips with the kids. It was the best time of our life....okay. Haha! 

Nothing bad happened. But camping with toddlers is hard. Especially when one of them fears nothing and wants to play with fire. We had zero expectations. We expected our kids to have a hard time sleeping in a tent. We expected fits. We expected dirt everywhere. we expected accidents. All happened. Which is okay! 

The kids actually did pretty well considering. The only thing that was hard about bed time was they were having too much fun to sleep. They didn't cry or freak out. Just laughs. That was fun to listen to. I hope they remember growing up and giggling in tents. I hope they look back at their life and appreciate the time we spent outdoors. 

The first trip was on Priest River right before Addison's bday. There was literally no one at our campground. Except mosquitoes. That was awful! But we went hiking and played in the water. It was a good time. Addison loved s'mores and hot chocolate. Of course. 

        

     

                                    

    

                     

One camping trip we were able to go by ourselves. We had the kids for the night and then grandparents came and got them so Levi and I and the besties had a few glorious days of reading, floating, playing games, and relaxing. I did not take any pictures of that trip which is disappointing. I stole these pictures from Jacob Nelson. Thanks Bud for being on it with the pictures. Also huge shout out to our friends the Hess' for letting us borrow their boat! They are some of the kindest people I know. Seriously don't know where we would be with them. Not just because we got to use their boat 

The first trip we did in August was with some friends and their almost two year old. We had 3 toddlers, two dogs, and 4 adults all on one campsite. It was an experience! It was pretty cool to all be in the same stage of life and work together to parent the little crazies running around. Also teaching said crazies to be kind to one another. The last night Levi and I ended up having to sleep in the back of the Jeep. Levi and I sleep in hammocks near the tent. It opens up space and honestly we love it. Anyways, a ranger came by and told us to take them down. Apparently that camp ground did not allow hammocks. Sooo in the jeep we went with the dog. 0/10 recommended. This trip we also used the black out tent for the kids. It was a game changer with the kids not getting up with the sun. 

The only picture I got of actual people. Go me. 

Oh wait. I have this one of us squished in the Jeep. Don't ask why we didn't take out the car seat. 

Our last trip was again with friends. It was chill time. Cooking together. Laughing. Hiking. Jumping in the water. Although we left earlier due to me having a sinus infection. The reality is I should not have gone but I did.  Again, I only got a couple photos.  You know when you have found your true friends who willing come camping with you and your toddlers. Who help you feed them. Play in the water with them. Let them nap in the camper. Thanks for loving our children well!

I figured since it is now officially Fall I could get some photos up. Let me know if you want any tips on camping with toddlers. Can't say I am an expert but I did learn some things. Like even if your 3 year old is potty trained put them in a pull up. Just do it.