Camping with cousins!

We just got back from an amazing weekend camping with Matt, Erin, and the kids. We went to Bald Eagle State Park, which was absolutely stunning. We had never been there before. We beat Matt and Erin by about an hour so we went to check out the gorgeous beach. The weather was slated to be gorgeous for the weekend, so we assured the kids we'd be back. 

The first night, we got all set up and made bacon cheeseburgers and hung by the fire and played games. It had been awhile since the kids had seen their cousins, so they were so excited to play! Saturday morning was a bit dreary and foggy but we headed out to do some fishing anyway. We didn't have any luck but it made for some unique photos! 

Thankfully, it cleared up by mid-morning, we we had such an amazing weather day. We went hiking, played Catan, the girls built a swing, we went looking for bald eagles, and after lunch, we headed to the beach for them to play in the water. Who would have thought that they'd be playing in the Lake at the end of September? Later that afternoon, we even surprised the kids with a little trip down the road for ice cream. 

We had so much fun, and Bald Eagle State Park is definitely on the "repeat" list! Such a beautiful and peaceful state park! 

Camping with the Ran family

We had a fun (AND RAINY!!) weekend camping with Seth's parents and Matt, Erin, and the kids. We went to Black Moshannon State Park near State College because they had quaint little cabins side-by-side, and it ended up being SO perfect! The cabins had little kitchens, beds, electricity, heat, and covered porches. We normally tent camp but since May can be a little finicky, we opted for cabins, and boy, was I glad! Aren't they so cute???

The first day, it was dry when we arrived, so Carter got right to work starting the fire. He used his Trail Life skills and his survival bracelet to get the fire going! 

While it did rain off and on over the weekend, it really didn't damper things too much. With three cabins side-by-side, we had three covered porches. We also had Matt and Erin's awesome EZ-up canopy and camping stove under the porch, so we could cook and eat while staying dry. We also packed lots of board games and things for the kids to do inside the cabins if necessary. 

On Saturday, the forecast cleared up enough for us to take a 2-mile hike. It was a little humid and damp but it was good to get out and get some exercise while it wasn't raining. We tried fishing a little but didn't catch (or see!) a thing. 

We planned on staying through lunch on Sunday, but by the time we got up and had breakfast, it was POURING so we opted to finish packing up and head out. I think it's safe to say that the kids had a great time and were exhausted. I always love their post-camping crashes. HA! 

Alaska (and the rest of us to camp!)

On Saturday, August 1, Seth left for a missions trip to Alaska with our church. They went to work at a kid's outdoor camp there (in a remote part of Alaska)--a lot of manual labor. The kids were saying goodbye to daddy (without the full realization of how long he'd be gone). 

The team...

While Seth was gone, the kids and I headed to Roxbury to stay at the cabin with my grandparents, Michelle and the kids and my cousin and his family. This worked out super well because I love going there and it fell over the time Seth was gone so we didn't have to be home alone for 8 days. 

The kids were VERY busy for the 5 days we were there--barrel train rides, tons of bike riding, kids church, the playground, giant sand box, exploring, "fox" and "raccoon" hunting, camp fires, kids carnivals and so much more. They were TIRED.

That sure is a lot of kids at the cabin kitchen table at lunchtime! 

Peanut relaxing on the porch...

After a trip to the gift shop for some balls, flashlights, sweatshirts and other fun things.

Addison and Kenna taking a Frozen movie break!

It worked out so well. Addison LOVED the little kids' church (i.e. a glorified nursery) which allowed Carter to come with me to hear the speakers at night. We sat outside each night (just me and him; the others sat inside) and it was so great. He worked quietly on his workbooks and I actually got to listen this year! HA! 

We brought the toddler bed mattress which perfectly fit in the little space at the end of the bed. They took turns sleeping in it each night (and the other one got to sleep up in bed with mommy). 

The cabin kitchen

Quite the bike line-up :) 

We had a great, chaotic time and we were TIRED when we got home (and still had many nights before daddy got home). It was the first time in several years I was able to go to camp for more than just an overnight or a weekend, so I really enjoyed being able to go. And, it actually worked out REALLY well because cell signal is rough at camp and Seth had absolutely none where he was in Alaska so it made not talking easier (though we had no choice anyway). 

Kicking off the camping season

We kicked off the crazy camping season this past weekend with a trip to Cowans Gap State Park just an hour away. We had absolutely gorgeous weather for the most part (the nights were COLD -- mid 40s the first night) and went with the Smiths who we normally go with! 

This was the Ran-mobile packed and ready to go. I cannot believe that a family of 4 needs that much stuff for 3 days away but, alas, they do. Especially when traveling with two toddlers and need toys, bikes, scooters, etc.! 

The first night, we had hot dogs and corn on the cob for dinner which was perfect for the kids who were on the move, getting acquainted and exploring and had no time to stop and eat dinner! I was super nervous for bedtime 1) because I knew it would be late and we'd have overtired kids; 2) it was getting really cold; and 3) new environment. As expected, Carter did just fine but Addison wanted nothing to do with laying down and just going to sleep in her pack-n-play without major attention. Seth ended up pretty much patting her back until she fell asleep. Like I said earlier, it dropped into the mid-40s that night and I was so unbelievably cold...and Seth and I even had an air mattress, sheets, blankets, and I was wearing sweats and a sweatshirt! I basically laid there until 2:30--freezing my butt off and worrying that the kids were cold. I had them covered with every possible free blanket. Both slept all night so I guess they were fine. 

On Saturday, they were up at 5:58 a.m. and I was BEAT. We were literally outside of the tent--done with all distractions in the tent--by 6:30 a.m., which makes for a long day! We had a yummy breakfast and spent the morning riding the bike and scooter, digging in the dirt, taking a hike, feeding the ducks, and playing by the "beach." Michael and Sarah also brought a kayak so the boys all went out in the boat while Sarah and I entertained the little ones by the shore. They had a lot of fun!! 

They had a blast but ALL the kids were getting tired. Lunch and naps around (Carter in his "vacation bed" and Addison being driven around until she fell asleep!) made for happier kids! 

Saturday afternoon brought another trip back down to the "beach" and Italian ice and ice cream from the concession stand. Dinner and hanging out rounded out the night. Thankfully, the weather was SLIGHTLY warmer Saturday night but they were up bright-eyed and bushy tailed at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Exhaustion for mommy and daddy! :) 

They were both sort of over it by Sunday morning and I was plain exhausted (I also had a cold/cough the whole time and the smoke was just making my lungs hurt even worse). On the trip home, I asked him if he was tired and he just stared at me like this. So....yes? :) 

All in all, we had a great time--we always do when we camp with the Smiths! But boy is camping with two little kids a lot of work! We're camping again in July...we'll see if we take Addison or not. :) At the very least, I may come home later at night to take her to bed and then go back in the morning since we're camping so close by.