Camping with Kids

It's not always easy getting out with kids and sometimes you forget crucial supplies like blankies and pacifiers.  But the pain of packing up and getting kids motivated and ready is always worth it.  Everyone gets to "unplug," help out, learn new skills, and appreciate God's amazing creation! (We have also been known to say that the best part of camping is coming home and sleeping in your own bed!)

Last weekend we took a trip along Brett's trapping trail to camp overnight at Robbie and Tanya's cabin.  It was a personal goal to drive Brett's whole trapping trail with the family, so it was fun to be able to check that off the list.  We took our time on the first part (around 30 miles).  Brett and Oren pulled traps, the kids explored a bit, the dog ran, and I drove slow ;)  We got to Robbie's in the late afternoon, unpacked, did some chores, and played.  The next morning after packing up we did the remaining part of Brett's trail (12 mile loop), and headed home.  When we were packing up to leave, Oren said, "I wish we could stay longer."  "Like another night?" "Like a week! or maybe our whole summer vacation!"

  

On the trail

The end of trapping season was rapidly approaching, so we (by we I mean Brett and Oren) pulled traps on the way.

 This is how we travel.  Anya and Oren with Brett; Ryker with me.  His trail wasn't terrible, but there were some tight stretches with thick willows and branches to go through.  When we got to the cabin Oren remarked, "Now I know what the Whomping Willow (in Harry Potter) feels like!" 

 Ryker was so insistent on riding in the sled, so he got to try it out when we were going slow through the trees.

We just weave through the trees, meandering along, and then the view opens up to breathtaking scenery like this.  Photo:  Brett

 "Mommyyyyyyyy!!!!"

We eventually made it to the camp and took some time to explore. 

 I could just sit and soak this in forever. The clump of trees on the very left of the photo is a distinct landmark traveling up and down the river. A lonely island of spruce trees with bent tops. "Sugar"

 Everyone has to help out!  

 Brett cut wood.

 Oren hauled and stacked wood.

 Ryker shoveled the deck.

 But after "chores" there's always time to play.  If this swing isn't in the most beautiful location, then I'm not sure what is!! 

 I was just cracking up when I was going through pictures and came across this one.  I think this was when he tried to run and slide down the bank, but chose to try an area that had a little cliff instead of a nice slope.  

 Sliding, sliding, sliding

Not sure what to call this one: The seal slide? Penguin slide?

 This beautiful pup is River.  We were dog sitting her for the week.  The boys have really been asking for a dog, so we wanted them to show that they are responsible for one of their own.  The timing was perfect.  

 We filled up our water bottles from this pristine water.

 These two have become such great buddies this year.  It has been so much fun to watch.

 So so thankful to Robbie and Tanya for their generosity in sharing their camp with us for the weekend.  We had such a wonderful, memorable time that the whole way back I contemplated needing a cabin of our own.  We'd probably get out every chance we had to one if we had one of our own, but then we wouldn't try as many new places.  That's the trade off, right?

These kids have the best dad!

 Beautiful sunset shot caught by Brett.

 This camp is so beautiful and perfect.  The boys just loved the loft!  Oren figured we needed a camp of our own.  

 I'd love to hear your camping meal ideas.  Breakfast in a jar (chia pudding and overnight oats) has been a win for us lately, but I know there are better ideas out there!

 Ryker thoroughly enjoying his breakfast: the boys made their own overnight oats, or as they call it "pooruah in a jar" 3 times the week after this trip.

 Is there anything better than camp coffee in the morning?!?

 Our little creator scientist dude is always coming up with new contraptions.  This is a fly swatter!

 Don't let her fool you, she never made it past the second step!

  These kids will sit and listen to books forever.  We were learning about the Revolutionary War in Social Studies, so it naturally led to them picking "George Washington's Socks" as the book to bring on the trip! 

The hitch on my snow-go broke, so Brett pulled both sleds back. 

 Our little drama queen, "I tripped! I can't do it!"

 The backpack was not an intentional prop, but when I was going through the pictures, it was a good reminder of how far Anya has come this year.  She was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis in September, but was experiencing symptoms since she was very young.  This fall she wasn't walking, yet here she is in all her outdoor gear, exploring with her brothers.  A doctor told us that if we had the inflammation she does, we probably wouldn't want to get out of bed in the mornings.  Kids are so so tough.  They are so resilient.  #sisu

A little snooze on the trail.  On Day 2, we had to do an additional 12 mile loop to pull Brett's last two traps.  This felt like a success.  Our whole family did his entire trapping trail!  

 Marking his spot in the GPS.

 We don't get anywhere very fast, as we always have to stop to explore and play.

 Remember the drama queen comment?  She has it down pat. 

 Btw, in case you wonder, she insists her name is Anya.  

All of her barbies and dolls are Elliandra, however!