Camping

Bob had a great idea that we should go camping. At Deary. In a camper trailer already hooked to electricity. With an air conditioner and refrigerator. Hey - don't judge. We don't camp very often.

While we were loading up we were reminded just why we don't go camping very often. We had to take our car top carrier. 

To go camping. 

For one night.

In our defense we did take our dogs. And they travel in their kennels. Maybe we do need a mini van.

The kids can fit in one row now. Russell is in his "napping
mode" (fingers in mouth).

Harvest has started. The hills. Be still my heart.
(Mom, be sure to show this pic to dad.)

I had made sandwiches for lunch as soon as we got there.
The kids ate and Bob unloaded.

They love the camper!

It was pretty warm so after an early dinner (4:30 to be exact!)
we headed over to Spring Valley to swim. It was SO nice!

Russell loves the water and wants to be IN it
all. the. time. Face first. Whatever.

Etta enjoyed practicing her swimming skills in the safety of
her life jacket.

Mae had fun but prefers to cling.

Then back for a small fire and S'mores.
(This pic I got by being sneaky.)

But Russell heard the "shutter". CHEESE!

Tried to get a good pic. Mae's normal picture face.

I tried to get everyone to smile. Got tongues instead.

After breakfast Wednesday morning we drove to Elk River Falls
and hiked around. Etta walked the whole way (over 3 miles total
I think). Mae did at least 1 mile. Russell walked a bit but kept
trying to head back to the car so into the sling he went.

Again I tried to sneak a pic. But the first one was blurry so
by the time I was ready for take II Russell had already turned
around and turned on the cheese. I love how much he and
Bob look alike in this pic.

Off they go!

Taking a break and getting ready to sling up.

A group came by when we were resting. They offered to
take a group pic of all of us. Mae was in fine form. The
woman taking the pic said that these make for the best memories.

Try two.
Memories.

The lower falls.

Mae was not impressed.

Etta was game. She is such a trooper. Especially when Mae
is ... not cooperating. "See mom! I'm hiking the whole way!"

Me and my boy at the middle falls.
(No pic of the upper. We did see it but did not
go to the overlook. By then we were all ready to
be done.)

He finally passed out and slept on me for about 30 minutes.
My shirt could be wrung out by the time we were done!

After we got home and everyone had a bath.
They wanted to keep playing in their life
jackets. So much fun!

All in all it ended up being a great two days. We are not the best campers. But all the kids do enjoy being outdoors and it was nice to get away from computers and TVs.