Lots of camping pictures

A highlight of our year, each year: the parish campout! This was the first year it was not at the beach. Instead, we went southeast to Camp Dakota near Mount Angel. It is a private campground, very different than our normal spot near the ocean. For one, there was no ocean (duh). Second, our site was in a forest area. Here's a picture of Gemma setting up our tent:


We soon got settled. We had a total of 4 sleeping tents and 2 shade tents, plus 2 trucks and a roped-off bath area. The best thing was that there was a play structure right near us! This allowed for a nice relaxing time for us moms, or at least us moms who did NOT have a toddler this year:


Ok, so I had to keep an eye on Ding Dong the whole time. That was ok since she is so darn cute!


The boys liked that there was a horseshoe pit right near by. They got to play beer shoes, much to the chagrin of the wives, who were left taking care of the kids.





We did get our fun time though. Bunny and Aidan wanted to try the zip line so Meghan and I got to go too!





We shared all the meals. Marcus and I had 2 breakfasts to cook. Of course he did all the cooking, I just helped plan, and helped with the kids.


We had our very own dog to take this year, yay!


The campground also had disc golf and paintball. Here is a before shot, of Marcus and his brother:


Here is the "after" shot of Marcus:


Yup, he sprained his ankle pretty bad. He was a trooper and he hobbled along the rest of the day, and even got a round or two of beer shoes in. But with his injury, this left James to defend the womenfolk:


On Saturday we had our traditional parish campout activities. Here we are making "dirt babies", a craft that Nicole and I helped set up. You fill the toe of a stocking/panty hose with some grass seed, add some dirt, and glue on face features. Then you stick the bottom in some water, like the top of a full glass of water, and voila, the grass grows on the top like hair! Lots of fun, very cute.


Tie dying is a big favorite every year!


Grammae and papa joined us for the day just in time for tie dying:


A very successful camping trip! We had a fantastic time and are already talking about next year....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad