Monday, June 21, 2010

Camping 2010

We have returned from our annual camping trip.  We're all a little exhausted, but overall it was a good time.

Here's the breakdown...
8th year in a row we've made this camping trip with this group
4 days, 3 nights
9 families
23 kids between the ages of 6 months (my Joseph) and 16 years.
20 of those kids were boys!!!

Yup.  You read that correctly.  20 boys.  Most of them were middle school & high school age.  Our boys are some of the youngest in the group.  But, it is so fun to watch this group and see where my boys will be in a few more years.

We did indeed use a tent.  We invested in a new, larger tent this year.  We really needed to upgrade our tent.  With 2 adults and four children...one still in the pac n play we needed some space.  We also invested in camp cots for my husband and I.  Best investment ever!  I actually was able to sleep somewhat comfortably. 

 Here was our humble abode for the trip...

 My parent's accomodations were a notch above us with their pop-up...

 The rest of our group camps in style...





It was such a blessing to have my parents, my sister Sharon, and two of her friends camping beside us.  We wouldn't have been able to camp with four boys without their help.

 My Dad

 My Mom

Sharon (far right), Tasha, and Ashley


My idea of a great camping trip....
  • sitting by the campfire
  • eating
  • reading
  • journaling
  • eating some more
  • taking leisurely walks
My boys' idea of a great camping trip...
  • fishing
  • swimming
  • riding bikes
  • digging in the dirt
  • fishing and swimming some more
While I didn't get to do as much on my list as I would have liked, the boys definitely accomplished theirs.  And, at this stage of life, that's the important thing.  And, it was vacation so they got to enjoy things that would never happen at home.

Donuts & Oreo Cakesters for breakfast?  Check.
Drink two juice boxes in a row?  You bet.
Stay up late to watch the campfire and eat S'mores?  Absolutely.
Go to sleep caked in dirt and still wearing the day's clothing?  No problem

Worms for fishing


Fishing with Dad rocks!


Charlie's favorite past-time...getting dirty.




John gearing up for his annual trek to the Cecil County drag races.  This is a Friday night event about 20 minutes from our camp area.  So, he always brings his motorcycle to participate in the races.





The town of North East MD is only 10 minutes from the State Park.  We usually go in to town to enjoy a meal at Woody's Crab House and take in the sites.  It's a quaint little town with lots of antique shops and other cute shops.


Just to show that vacation was not all roses & sunshine, here are some pictures of a very irritable Charlie who had his share of the whinies.    Other not so wonderful parts of vacation?   90 degree heat, trying to discreetly nurse a baby (the tent was too hot to sit in during the day), minimal washing, and having to walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night.



Other folks from our group


My (pregnant) sister Lorinda & her husband, Jason, came to visit Saturday afternoon.




 Sharon holding Joseph




 Yikes!  Really bad picture of me with my sister & brother-in-law but I have to show that I was actually along on this vacation.



 John took the boys fishing once as it was getting dark.  This was Edison's night-time catch.  He was sooooo proud.  Can you tell?

 Our group ate together for many of the meals.  Each family worked with one other family planning, prepping, & serving a meal.  My family along with my parents and sister had Saturday morning breakfast.  This picture shows some of the adolescent boys descending upon the food at one of the meals.



 Here's Gabby - one of the 3 girls and Edison's new best friend.






Can't wait to see what's in store next year!

13 comments:

  1. sooo glad you had fun. we leave this week!

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  2. Denise, hope you have a blast! Can't wait to read about your trip. Don't take any snakes with you.

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  3. Oreo Cakesters for breakfast? You deserve a prize as coolest mom. Isn't it funny how all your motherly standards relax on a campout?
    Glad it was fun.

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  4. Okay, camping with four boys--one in a pack n play?! You win.

    You also win for the funnest camping trip and I agree with Jen on the coolest mom prize.

    Take Care,
    Kathie

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  5. Camping does have a way of relaxing all of the "rules" doesn't it!
    Looks like you guys had a wonderful time
    Enjoy the day

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  6. This is just great...what wonderful memories...I know we have them from camping and I have been dying to go again. I love the number of boys you had...understand, since I am a mother of five boys.
    Enjoyed and How much fun!!!
    Janette

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  7. Donuts for breakfast is fun. Looks like you had a wonderful time.

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  8. Really enjoyed looking at all these pics! We have an annual camping trip too. Only 4 families...10 kids...and we all tent camp. This will be our 4th year. We always go somewhere different just to mix it up a bit!
    I know you all had a blast!

    I made my header using Scrapblog...then exported to Photobucket. I may do a tutorial sometime if I can get it together. I love your header, though.

    Anais Nin....I found the quote first and loved it. It was just what I was looking for, then I researched the author and found her to be very interesting to say the least. Not someone I would expect myself to quote if you know what I mean....but still love those words.
    Have a great day!

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  9. Jen, I'll have to check out Scrapblog - I'd love to change up my header a bit. I wonder if I can export it to Picasa?

    I know what you're saying about Anais Nin. Her lifestyle was definitely a bit racey. But, she was a talented writer.

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  10. Great pix, Karen. Thanks for sharing! Reminded me of good times we had camping with our gang.

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  11. Really enjoyed reading your post Karen! Great pictures...and what awesome memories you guys are creating for your boys. Boys sure do love the outdoors, don't they! And, I think you look great in your picture with your sister and brother-in-law. I would have worn my hat all weekend to try and not scare anyone! :)

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  12. how WONDERFUL! my husband and i have done some camping but not since we had kids. this makes me want to round up a whole crew:)

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  13. ok, so it is taking me this long to catch up on the blog world. Did you go to Elk Neck? We were thinking of going there this year...now I wish we were. North East looks so cute!

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