Ward Campout

Well, I can now check off 'Go camping with 5 kids on your own' off my bucket list :) Actually, if I'm honest, it really doesn't count. The ward did all the cooking, it was only overnight, and I had about 30 extra adults around to help me with my kids, so I've still got to get brave and try the real thing one day. But this was a nice first step for me :) Bryan really wanted to come, but it just wasn't going to work out, so off me and the kids went. I felt horrible leaving Bryan home alone, but at least the dogs were there to keep him company.

As soon as we parked, Liah and Asher found this rock, and immediately began the process of staking their claim :)

This was the only piture I got of Aeden. This kid was so busy the entire time, he literally lost his voice and asked to go to bed at night...asked! I know :) He had so much fun, and it was just blissful to watch him have so many people to interact with...he was in heaven!

Some of the dads decided they needed to be humbled, so they took the kids on in a friendly game of kickball. The dads said they won, but from where I was sitting, I'm pretty sure the kids won by more than a little :)

The Bowmans totally hooked everyone up with this awesome zingy balloons (I'm sure they have a name, but if you think I know it, then, well, you're wrong), tons of treats and juice boxes, and the sweetest setup in the whole campground. The best part was the trailer they brought was the same one we hauled load after load after load from our house while we were cleaning everything out. Ah, the memories...surpress, surpress, surpress! :)

This is Bella, with her crazy hair, and constant smile :)

I love this pic of Zerin :) I told him he could stay up as long as he wanted. He and I stayed up around an hour longer than anyone else by the fire, and then, since I figured I'd be up all night with the kiddos, I convinced him to come to the tent with me. I gave him my lantern and a Magic Treehouse book Liah had brought and told him he could stay up all night if he wanted. He was determined! But less than 30 minutes later, his head was on the pillow, and he was out like a light :) I loved having some time with just him and me. I don't get those opportunities enough.

And last, but not least, this is Asher, chasing his shadow :)

I am SO glad we went! I think it made the top 10 of my favorite memories ever :)