Camping with Children

This week we embarked upon our one and only camping adventure of the summer.  Why only one?  Well, with five kids, and one of them being a tiny one, camping takes on a whole new meaning.  There is no relaxing around a campfire, no reading a book in the sunshine, no hiking 5 miles to gorgeous summits...it's just not feasible with this many little ones.  Now when we go camping it's all-day life-guarding, untangling of fishing lures, diaper changing, and applying of sunscreen and bandaids.  Paul and I are learning to let go of our wants and expectations and just find joy in the simple things, the things that fill our kids with joy instead.  Camping is just another reminder that parenting is our path to sanctity as we learn to die to self and live for others (which usually means our children).  I don't know why I find it so hard to do that sometimes, when in reality, these kids fill my heart to overflowing and they are such a fun way to grow in holiness! 

Here are some highlights of our camping trip filled with simple joys:

When we arrived at the campground, we found that the lake was nearly 50% dried up due to heavy irrigation from the surrounding community.  Dried up, but very muddy.  It kind of put a kabosh on our swimming, but it made for lots of fun catching frogs!  You know the phrase, "When life sends you lemons, make some lemonade"? Well, this camping trip, we made our own motto: "When life sends you mud, fill a bucket with frogs."

Nathanael really loved catching these tiny toads.  In fact, he loved a few of the poor things to death.  I overheard him telling one little toad over and over again, "I...love...you!"   And when I turned to watch him play with his amphibious friend, he was poking the poor creature with every word of affection until he literally loved it to death.  Sad but cute.

 

 

 

 

 

When they weren't catching frogs, the kids entertained themselves for hours climbing rocks and playing Lazer Tag... 

 

 

 

 

In the mornings and evenings, the older boys (along with their best buddy Alex and his dad Derek) tried their luck at fishing.  Michael was the only lucky one and ended up catching nearly all the fish---8 cutthroat trout.  They all loved every minute of it.  My boys have become passionate about fishing these last couple of years...it must be Grandpa Pat's genes tucked into their DNA!

 

 

 

 

The boys also spent some time fine-tuning their archery skills. Paul is thankful that the boys all seem to have a passion for hunting like he does.  He is really looking forward to having them as his hunting buddies; plus, he needs all the help he can get filling our freezer with meat!  :)

 

 

 

Here are some shots of simply enjoying the great outdoors and relaxing while still being on "kid-duty."

 

 

Isaiah was a happy, easy little camper.  He slept great, and when he wasn't sleeping he peacefully entertained himself playing the piano or watching the wildlife around him (his brothers included).

 

 

 

Here's a photo that just makes me laugh and is a great reality shot.  Our should-be-potty-trained-2-year-old had an accident while we were camping.   Paul very graciously cleaned his underwear and hung it out do dry.  It was just a reminder to me to find beauty even in the messiness of life.

 

 

 

And here's the real reason I like to go camping:

CHEERS to the remainder of your summer!