“Camping”

Last year we started a tradition of “camping” at our house with my sister’s family for a couple nights. I hope it’s a tradition we can continue for many years to come. This year was really special as the kids were all so much older, their personalities were more developed and they were just ABLE to do so much more. Much laughter and adventures were had, though we adults know very little of them. We set up tents in the back yard and most of the kids and a few adults slept outdoors. I slept under the stars beside the tents the first night and watched shooting stars as I fell asleep. Hot dogs, smores, and many juice boxes were consumed (thanks, Melissa!) and the pool was a great way to cool off. Camping with your house? Yes, please!

The blue thing is because we have no shade.

“Can I wear dressup outside?”

Sitting around the fire.

Imagination central

Silly girly girl doling out little bits of nice-smelling lotion to everybody. I don’t know why.

The dogs did really awesome and were not stressed by the kids at all. Here is Rose right after I woke her up.

We needed to smell like smoke so that it would be real camping.

We also had to brush teeth outside so that it would be real camping.

Breakfast inside at a real table. Perfect!

So pretty!

Last year we watched “Cars.” This year, we watched “Despicable Me 2” and I couldn’t find the camera fast enough. (really) They were all laughing sooooo hard and I wanted to catch it on video. 🙂

One night as we were waiting for the sun to go down (just because) before we roasted marshmallows, the kids started playing by the tent. It made me so happy that I started videotaping it to share with Mom and Dad just in case they need a little dose of grandchildren!

Jordan did well during the visit – not stressing out, playing mostly appropriately and chilling in his play room when he needed down time. Here’s a cute video of him showing off his swinging skills. And wow… he is not the same kid I adopted. Is he? I have had just the best week with him and feel more like his Mama than I ever have. It’s special.: