Every year (almost) our family does a big family camp out. Everyone it invited in the family.
Last year (or maybe it was the year before) my mom discovered the hidden gem known as Thousand Trails in Chehalis, Washington. Why we've never tried a campground outside Oregon before? I have no idea. But I'm glad we did.
Wes had to work the week that it was scheduled and very briefly it seemed that us camping with the whole family wouldn't work out for the second year in a row (last year we were in Arizona, waiting for a baby to arrive at anytime). Missing the family camp out two years in a row would be just wrong. But then I decided I could just take the kids. It's not like I would be on my own with them since the family would be there.
So last Wednesday morning we drove the two+ hours to the campground. We were there just in time to see Aaron and Brandi off. Cassidy had already driven back to Seattle.
The campsites, beyond actually having trees and being green, weren't really anything to write home about. But the campground was cool, cool, COOL!
There was miniature golf, a game room, a club house, little store, showers, two large pools, and kids playground. Pretty easy camping. :)
Camping is no fun without a little danger, right? At least Novalee thinks so.
This is what Sadie did while mommy set up camp. She was perfectly happy to fall asleep outside looking up at the trees.
You can't camp without a little bit of firewood.
We used to always go wood cutting when we were kids and I remember my dad always telling me how strong I was and hard working because I would always try to carry a bunch of wood at once. Novalee kind of reminded me of that when she brought up so much wood. :)
The gang before my sister and her family came.
Larry with his new love. (The dog currently might get more lovins than my mom. Maybe.)
Grandpa Larry's two favorite things. Babies and dogs. We always joke he is a dog and baby whisperer because they all love him and take to him instantly. :)
Sadie and me ready for a hike. She's kind of heavy. :)
At the pool.
Jared showing Grandpa his new skills he learned this summer.
These next two pictures are typical pictures of Novalee and Jared.
That's okay. I guess they don't really need to see what they looked like at this age when they are older. I keep telling them that if they don't look at the camera they won't have much to look at when they are older. But they don't care as long as they can be defiant now. :)
I keep thinking how lame their scrapbooks are going to be. All silly looks or backsides. Oh well. :)
Mommy and Sadie at the pool. She loved the water. I was a little worried she wouldn't like it since she is slightly timid but she loved it. And while she might not like being tossed in the air under normal conditions I'm pleased that she does enjoy being thrown in the water from one person to another and back again.
My beautiful Novalee. She loves the water. I love how brave she is and how willing she is to try any new swimming skill.
Evany, the kids' cute cousin. I love her! I like that she thinks I'm pretty cool. :) Yay! I'm the cool aunt! :)
I just love this little guy. It's hard not to. He has this way about him, I'm not sure what it is but I'm pretty sure he can get just about anything he wants, without crying or throwing a fit and without the giver feeling like they are really going that far out of the way for him. He's just so dang cute!
Oh Grandpa Larry! What a good example for the little guys to look up to.
Tough Guys
Sadie Hangin Out
Here Sterling is being naughty and playing with the fire. Both of the older boys lost their chances to be by the fire at least once during the trip. :)
Yes, Sadie liked the dogs toys as much as the dog and for all the same reasons. :)
Happy Cousins
Miniature Golf
Happy family, happy camping!
I keep thinking how lame their scrapbooks are going to be. All silly looks or backsides. Oh well. :)
It's hard to tell if she is having fun. But you are just going to have to trust me. :)
Wow! What a face! She was mad that I wanted to take this picture because her face had gotten so dirty from riding on the dirt mound in the background. (I bet all experienced parents know this trick...Your kid doesn't want to take a picture and they turn their head away. Then you wait and wait and sometimes even act like you are looking as something else, perhaps striking up a false conversation with someone nearby, all the while waiting with the camera in focus until they turn their head back "checking" to see if you are still planning on taking a picture, then SNAP! I know you know what I'm talking about. :) This was one of those pictures and Novalee is still telling me off as she is turning her head back.) :) What can I say, she's feisty. :)
