We just did our third camping trip of the summer– this one was five days long, which is the longest we’ve ever attempted. I’ve complained before about how much work camping is. I spent two hours at the store at midnight the night before our trip trying to buy all the ingredients I needed to cook camp meals for five days. Then I try to shove them all into a cooler and bins that aren’t too heavy to carry. I give the kids packing lists and let them pack their own bags; luckily, the margin of error has so far not caused any major disasters. Planning for weather, possible outings and activities, how to keep them quiet during camp “quiet hours,” and stocking the car for the road trip portion is no small task. Five days, five people. Bruises, body odor, and mosquito bites galore. This much laundry:
But what’s not to love about this?
and this?
and this?
and this?
and especially this?
So for all its hard work and exhaustion, I believe camping is here to stay among our family traditions. I could sleep for three days straight, but the kids want to start planning our final trip.
Diapers and Divinity 
We haven’t gone camping at all this year, and I have to say, I’m not sad. I like being in the mountains with a fire, but I hate sleeping in a tent.
We’ve yet to embark on such an adventure but Neil is just chomping at the bit lately. I think we’ll try the backyard first. I am such a coward and you? You are amazing in my eyes!
Looks like fun and what a beautiful place. I’m not much of a camper myself, but I do love a day visit to the mountians.
I’m so with you on this one. I LOVE to camp with my kids. But seriously. The prep and the clean up? Sheesh. It’s a good thing the time in the middle is so fun!
Looks like a blast!
I am not a camper, unless you count four star hotels. Camping is not a vacation for moms–in fact it just the opposite. But if you enjoy it then take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings and cheap accommodations!
Five days? I am VERY impressed. I wish I liked camping half as much as my kids. But those pictures are just precious, and I’m sure you all had a great time.
Oh, I am impressed! Five days of planning alone would overwhelm me to the point of tears. Then the lack of sleep would do me in.
But being out in nature is so worth it. The beauty restores me body and soul.
I am dying over that shot of everybody by the water. Where was that taken?
We went camping this past weekend too, but we only lasted one day and then threw in the towel and headed home. You’re a trooper. And I feel totally guilty now.
YOU are the best!!!…from the West.
Except for the first one (that resembles my house) I love the pics you´ve posted.
XXOO
We’ve yet to go camping with the kids. I haven’t been camping in over 6 years, and I don’t really miss it… But I bet my kids would love it. MAYBE I’ll try it… 🙂
you rock, mommy! we’ve only been camping as an entire family once so far. it was lots of work, but also lots of fun. most of the time we have a young baby and my husband takes the older kids overnight and i stay home, which is okay with me for now. but looking at your pictures made me long for a good camping trip with the whole fam. but not so much with a 7 week old. maybe next summer. and in the meantime, keep posting pictures so i can live through you.:)
It looks like you had so much fun! I hear ya on the struggle to get there though- the sheer thought of all preparing and the clean up discourages me every time. But I forget how much fun the girls would have, and how much it would refresh us just to be somewhere different for a while.