Camping

This weekend we went camping on the Washington Coast. It was a lot of fun. (I hope to have pictures soon from my wonderful sisters, since my camera battery died after 2 pictures). We went with Shawn, Darci, Courtney (sorry sister, I can't get myself to spell your name wrong), Stephanie & Jay. We had a blast.

A lot of people don't like camping, and I think I know why. Camping is work--especially with kids. You have to pack EVERYTHING, bring ALL your food, set up camp, it's really dirty (especially camping in sand), it can be cold and uncomfortable (the older I get the more I notice this one), mosquitos (thank goodness for none this weekend), and bathroom accomodations are not always pleasant. BUT I love it--even with how much work it is!

Here are some reasons I love camping:

1. I get to enjoy nature, which doesn't always happen where we live except when the skunks come around.
2. It's so cool to get into your sleeping bag at night with the sound of a river, the ocean, the wind, or even the rain outside your tent. (MUCH better than the sound of cars, sirens, and loud abnoxious teenagers going by our house). I also love the sound of pine needles hitting the tent.
3. Allen's snoring is muffled by being out in the open, and ear plugs actually work because I'm not on a bed that vibrates from the snoring. :) (Love you, honey).
4. It's awesome to watch the boys play outside, and see the pleasure on Moochy's face when he runs from the waves. Both of my boys really loved playing with the sand (including piling it on their heads, rubbing it in their eyes, eating it, and throwing it all over the place).
5. I LOVE sitting around the campfire at night chatting and playing games--both kids passed out in the tent, and not having to worry too much about what they're getting in to. I like playing in the fire too.
6. It doesn't matter if you stink. (Some people might disagree with me, though). I still wear deodorant and brush my teeth while camping, but it doesn't really matter if you're dirty and smell like smoke.
7. I love puting on a fresh, clean pair of socks at night before I get into my sleeping bag (although, I usually end up taking them off because my feet get too hot).
8. I love being with the people I love.
9. I love going home and smelling the campfire on my clothes, etc, as a good reminder of our trip.
10. I love that first warm shower when I get home, and the kids usually sleep great the first night back. :)