The Start of Summer

They say the start of summer is memorial weekend but around here it is really the first weekend after school lets out. We decided to jump into summer by taking the kids camping. Joshua had been when he was little, but Kjirsten and Sam have not. There is a great state park near our house that we felt would make a good first time overnighter. After we returned home tired and dirty we compiled a list of things to do better next time. Here is our start:

1. Bring starter sticks or lighter fluid in case of wet wood. (It took Jonathan several hours to get our campfire lit.)
2. Don't over schedule. Trying to hike and then hit the water park after a late night made for some very tired campers.
3. Remember a few basics like paper towels and extra socks. (Sam decided mud puddle jumping would be fun--it was!)
4. Go a little longer next time. Pack the car, unpack, sleep, repack, go home and unpack makes for a tired Mom & Dad.
5. Bring games, frisbees etc. After all it is a vacation!

Jonthan practicing his best Big Bad Wolf impression, Huff & Puff,& Puff

The kids waiting for pancakes

Our first day of summer vacation started off with a bang. Literally, it was thundering and raining. But after a brave trip to the library and trying to break up a few arguments I decided to bring kids together through play dough. I found a peanut butter play dough recipe while doing some organizing and turned it into playtime. Is it a snack or is it a toy? Who knows--but I do know that it turned some frowny faces upside down and brought the sunshine out! Yeah Mom!