One last hoorah!

This summer we have discovered the adventure of camping. We are outdoors people so we fell in love with the whole experience. A few weeks ago we went to a lake about an hour away with my parents, sister and brother-in-law. We liked the campgrounds so much we decided to spend our last weekend before school starts camping there again.

A few weeks back, I booked two sites for Friday night so both Phil's family and mine could go. But after my teary-eyed mommy day I have to admit I wanted to stay home and have myself a big ol' pity party! I sucked it up though and went and I'm so glad I did.

Phil, Riley, and I headed down early Friday afternoon to check out some road-side antique shops, more like junk shops. I only found one little trinket I plan to give to a friend as a gift and that was it. Oh well. So on to camp we went. We got our tent set up then my parents, sis, and brother-in-law arrived so we helped them set up their tent. We got some food started on the campfire and waited for the rest of the crew. Once they arrived we finished cooking and ate a wonderful supper. We took it easy the rest of the night, sharing stories, singing silly songs to watch Riley dance, and making s'mores.

I don't know if any of us slept very well but what do you expect when you're camping? There were giggles, snores, and other funny sounds we won't discuss but hey, what memories we made! We got up early the next morning and cooked a big breakfast. We took Riley to the playground where she made a couple of friends and had a blast. Then off to the lake we went on Dad's pontoon. Something about the boat automatically puts Riley to sleep so she slept most of the time. The water was suprisingly calm with not many boaters. It would have been perfect for skiing but something about becoming a mommy has made me way too cautious to want to try something like that anymore. Riley finally did wake up so we stopped and let her play in the water which she loved.

We headed back to our camp and ate lunch then just lounged around the rest of the day. Then it was time for our families to pack up and leave. I was sad to see them go. We had such a good time together. For some reason I was a little home sick after only one night and wanted to go home too! We stuck it out though and had more fun with Riley at the beach and pulling her in a wagon around the camp. You'd think she was running for mayor the way she greets everyone! She's such a joy to her daddy and mommy!

Then the rain started...ugh! We were confined to our tent for an hour or more which actually wasn't bad. I was afraid Riley would get antsy sitting still for so long but she was great. It was nice just doing nothing and playing with Riley on the air matress. The rain stopped for a bit but not for long. Once we went to bed it rained most of the night. It actually rained so hard and the wind got to blowing that I admit I got a little scared. We made it through and we now know our tent does not leak!

We got up pretty early this morning, ate donuts, then went to packing. That's the not-so-fun part! Once we were finally ready to roll, our car battery was dead so we had to ask for a jump. Thank God for neighbors!

We had a wonderful time but were glad to get home. As soon as we got home, Riley and I took a good long nap while my wonderful husband unpacked everything from the car without me knowing. I'm so blessed to have him.

The one last hoorah was fun but now the dread sits in of having to leave Phil and Riley to go back to work. I'm hoping I don't shed too many tears in the morning but that's a fat chance. I'm just praying I adjust pretty quick and that Riley won't forget me! :(