Ward Campout

We got back this morning from out wonderful ward camp out. I think we were the only family who actually pitched a tent this year while everyone else stayed in the lodge. (I think everyone was a afraid of the rain or something) On our way to set up the tent Rachel kept saying "Mommy, camping is so much fun!" as she held an armful of rocks. (My mom would be proud)

In fact the entire time we were up there she was either collecting rocks in her hat, hands, pockets, cups or throwing them into the river or mud puddles. Let's just say...it kept her busy! Before dinner was ready we hung out in the lodge and visited with several friends. Benjamin had a ball checking out the young ladies ;) This is Reagan, she us super cute and I totally approve!

When Bishop and his wife came they brought up a couple balls for the kids to play with. Rachel loved showing everyone how well she could kick, and man can she kick!

I'm not sure what this pout face is about, but she has it down to a 'T'. I love it! I had a great time visiting with some of the girls again. This is Kalynne (Reagan's mom), Amy and her daughter Sophie.

After a yummy dinner (Mexican...my favorite!) they gave everyone a Choco-Taco which Rachel just went to town on! She was so incredibly filthy from eating, playing in the mud and dirt that her face and hands were gray when I brought her up to the lodge to clean up before bed. (man who is her mother!?) Rachel learned how to blow the white puffs from dandelions while we were up there. As long as she doesn't do it in my yard I don't care.

She found this little hide out area on the side of the lodge where she spent a lot of time. Whenever she went back there she said "I'm going hiking!" There was this huge boulder there that I helped her climb. I don't think she liked that so much.

For the entertainment we had a group come play some Blue Grass music. It was great! At one point I found Rachel in her special little spot dancing away. It's a little long but sooooo cute!

Benjamin had a blast hanging out with Bishop and his wife when Marc and I danced the polka to one of the songs (yep, I said polka!) When we were done I went to get him back but he wouldn't come to me! Bishop helped Benjamin jump up and down and at one point even took him out to the dance floor.

Marc tried to get Rachel to dance with him but she wouldn't have it. I was going to stop filming but then I realized that the Bishop and Brother Arave were dancing so I kept on filming. It's hilarious!!!!!!!

After the dancing we headed to our campsite where Marc and Rachel proceeded to build a fire while I put Benjamin down for the night. The fire took a little while because everything was so wet from all of the rain we have had lately, but they did succeed.

Once we got the fire started we roasted bunny shaped marshmallows from Easter (it was all we had!), we even made a few s'mores out of them. Rachel loved them of course, it's sugar!

The night went really well. I think our little test run in the backyard was a smart idea. We knew what worked and what didn't. This time around we put Benjamin in the pack-n-play so he wouldn't roll around the tent in his sleep. Rachel went to sleep much faster, and freaked out less. And we got a killer deal on an air mattress that came with a battery powered pump. The kids slept well and so did we :) (well except for Marc's allergies) It did rain off and on through the night but thanks to the tarp we just bought we were dry. It did rain a little in the morning when we started to take the tent down but we just took a little break and had breakfast until it stopped. Over all we had a blast and we can't wait for our next camp out, maybe by the end of the summer we will be camping pros! :)