Campout

We decided it was finally time to indoctrinate our children into the way we vacationed as kids- CAMPING! What better way to achieve this goal than to take two of those that took me out into the wilderness to pee behind trees, catch your dinner and freeze in the mountain air. Yes, my parental unit came along, but for the record: we usually had at least an outhouse, never ate fish for dinner and always had a cozy down sleeping bag. Seriously, some of my fondest and happiest memories are of camping with my family. Now it our opportunity to provide these fond memories for our children. I think we had them at "s'mores."

We headed up to Valley of Fire and found the perfect camp site. Tucked back in the fire red rocks was a campsite with plenty of room to explore and a bathroom right across the way! The scenery was amazing and we settled in for a night of campfires, s'mores and good ol' family fun!

The kids immediately started exploring our new "backyard."

Evan working hard to get our tent set up

This was literally behind our picnic table.

The kids (all three of them: Jason, Norah and Evan) spent the afternoon exploring in the rocks and dirt!

Norah's 'Ant'

My ever-so-girlie girl refused to wear pants or shorts...she settled on a skirt.

Never were we slouched in the food department! My mom and dad could always whip up some yummy camping deliciousness! Never boring, never mundane. This trip we delivered, again!.

The kids could care less about what was cooking for the grown-ups... they just wanted hot dogs roasted on an open fire! Evan got the hang of it quick!

Campfire fun!

Mom and dad whipped up "pocket dinners" Some chicken, veggies and a whole lot of goodness. Norah was happy to help Papa get dinner cooked.

Grandma prepping

Dad and I got fancy and made Peach Cobbler with fresh peaches that I canned. Mmm, mmm, mmm...

Then the moment that was anticipated for days... S'MORES!

According to Evan, his favorites were neck and neck... s'mores vs. guacamole. Still not sure which one he liked more!

The sun went down, the temperatures dropped and soon we decided it was time to get tucked in. The night was so beautiful and there was a blanket of stars to watch. You forget until you are out somewhere like this how many stars are really in the sky and how many we do not see when we live in the lights of the city.

Papa and Norah admiring the twinkling stars

The view from our tent first thing in the morning.

Please tell me there is no better breakfast than string cheese and a cookie!

Good morning! A delicious breakfast to get our day going.

I will be the first to admit that camping is not really my cup of tea. I more of a bed and pillow with a shower on the side kind of girl. Honestly, this was SO much fun! In fact, we are headed back soon. Stay tuned...