Camping with the kids- it’s all fun and games …well, usually…

We are officially back from our Labor Day 2013 Camping trip. Miraculously we made it there and back with the kids (ours and my nephew), the camper, and the Chihuahua all in one piece and my husband and I did not find it necessary to rip each other’s heads off at any point during the trip. (That doesn’t sound like much too some people, but no blood shed or injuries is a huge achievement for our slightly dysfunctional but oh so entertaining bunch!)  Some of the rest of the family met us at the campground and we had a great time over the past few days. Saturday we spent most of the day at the Packwood Swap Meet; a huge annual flea market in the area. Lots of great vendors but there weren’t many of the specific treasures I was looking for this time around so unless you include the food that I ate way too much of, that part was a bust for me. (My monthly budget however is thanking me this month because I didn’t spend what I had saved for this specific event. Some new shoes for mom possibly on the horizon? We shall see.) Saturday evening was your typical campfire, barbecue, a few beers and some laughs. We also learned from my father-in-law (who is hilarious and I do love dearly) during the smores making session that Hippos like burned marshmallows – we were definitely keeping our ears open for those bad boys since the mandatory 10 or so marshmallows slithered of the roasting sticks into the campfire and were ripe for the taking. I’m pretty sure there was a Squatch lurking in the trees as well, but our trusty Chico the half blind one toothed wonder Chihuahua made sure everyone was safe and sound.

Sunday we all got up and went for a 3 mile hike up to Silver Falls in Mt. Rainier National Park from Ohanapecosh campground where we were camping. The scenery was beautiful but my toddler didn’t quite make it the whole way – she started off strong and went until her little legs wouldn’t go any more though! Dad carried her the last 1 and ½ miles so everyone was pretty exhausted when we got back to camp.

My daughter Bella at the beginning of our hike.

Other that it was pretty much relaxing, kids playing, and your typical camping trip. I was glad I didn’t forget to pack anything major that we needed this time. I did forget a hairbrush though so we brushed Bella’s hair with a fork…she was totally fine with that because we reminded her that’s what Ariel in the Little Mermaid uses. Now she carries a fork around all day (plastic of course) so I may have created a monster with that. Now we’re back home and have work and school to answer to – they always seem to get in the way of fun! Coming home is bittersweet – always sad that vacation is over but your own bed and a hot shower always feels so good!  Now to unpack, get the laundry done, and gear up for out next trip in a couple of weeks – this time to the beach!

~ Alison

How was your labor day? Leave a comment below and let me know what you did for Labor Day or any funny stories about your long weekend. What’s your favorite thing to come home to after being away for several days? Thanks for reading!