Camping

I think it's in their DNA. Why do my boys love camping so much? Is it the fresh air? The campfire? Eating hotdogs, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers until you can't eat any more? Is it fishing that they like or climbing on rock piles or climbing up the "climbing tree"? Is it because they like sleeping on the ground (in the tent) or in the camper that sways and clangs everytime the wind blows? Do they love the extremities of it being cold one day and blazing hot the next day?

Whatever the answer is, there is no question to the fact that Brandon, Parker, and Andrew love camping. They love being outdoors.

Parker and Brandon kicked off the camping season three weeks ago at the farm. At the farm, they camp in a tent...in the woods...with a campfire and the climbing tree. They do this with Grandpa Mahlon, Uncle Lance, Cooper, Cameron, and Bella (and I'm sure Andrew will be there with them in a couple of years). This year Grandma Robbie and Aunt April were there, although they slept in the house. It was cold and cloudy, but these boys loved every minute of it! Parker loves any time that he gets to spend on the farm and you throw camping in and he is in heaven.

Parker and Cooper exploring the woods....I think it was at night!


Parker and Bella asleep in the tent.


All of the campers....after a night of sleeping in the great outdoors!


And....while the big boys were camping, Andrew and I were at home practicing his sitting skills!





Then, over Memorial Day, we went to our annual Riffel camping trip at Brandon's Uncle Riff's farm. This time we took the camper (because Andrew and I were going). We loaded up the Armada and the camper and drove down to Herington, KS (about 20 miles from Council Grove), set up camp, and enjoyed the Riffel "family reunion" for three days.

Parker got to climb on the rock pile, see the new kittens, go fishing, ride his Gator and four wheelers, play with Morgan and Avery, swim in his pool, draw with chalk, roast marshmallows, play "monkey in the tree", and enjoy the fresh (windy) air. We had a campfire, played games, and enjoyed the company of family. Andrew was loved on and held by grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins...showing off his sweet smile and personality. He also enjoyed time outside in his exersaucer and playing on the blanket, and eagerly watching is big brother run around with the girls.

Roasting Marshmallows with Pa Pa. (Even though Parker prefers to eat the components of a S'More separate!)


Andrew's first night in the camper!!


Cousins on the Gator!


My little fisherman!




Cousins playin' some B-ball!


Morgan and Avery in "The Wave Pool".


My sweet Andrew and Aunt Dana!!


Yes, these boys have a special "camping" gene. And, I have to say that I love it too- watching them enjoy every minute of their time camping...being boys and doing boy things is what I love! I love camping because it means that summer has arrived and summer (although it's the busiest time of the year) is so much fun! This summer holds so much....swimming lessons (Parker's first private lesson), pool parties in the backyard, Pandamania (Parker's first time at VBS), Andrew's first trip to Colorado, weekends at the lake with our good friends, summer camp at the farm, street parties with our neighbors, family walks in the evening, and yes, even more camping! These two camping trips have been the perfect kick-off to summer!

Happy Summer!