Sunday, August 3, 2008

Camping

We went with friends to Hatcher's Pass on July 3rd. (I'm now a firm believer in camping with other people - one preschooler and one toddler to six adults was perfect!) It was the first time the kids had gone camping (we had an abortive backyard/trial attempt last summer when we first bought the tent, but we ended up sleeping in the house). Gretchen enjoys walking on uneven surfaces (she loves to walk on people when they're laying down), so the squishy tundra was a HUGE hit with her! Quin was enthralled with the idea that he didn't need to pee on the potty (although we had his little one, just in case).

Paul and Robin found a great campsite, close to the river but off the road, that fit three tents and a screened shelter. Luxury camping at its best!
Due to the last minute nature of our departure, we managed to forget some items, like jackets. Gretchen wore a silk-weight shirt of mine for warmth, and was quite cute!
Sean "allowed" her to try on his hat - stylish!
Dinner was a unique affair, as the kids aren't used to eating while standing up. Gretchen wandered around with her vegetarian hot dog, chirruping at everyone, while Quin mostly stood in one place until he'd finished eating one item, then wandered around between "courses." "Marshmelons" (aka marshmallows) were a huge hit with both kids.

Quin loves sleeping in his sleeping bag, and had no problems going to bed in the tent. Gretchen, on the other hand, had a difficult time sleeping. She cuddled with all six adults throughout the evening, but was happiest on Dada's lap. Around 11pm we decided to try to go to bed; I say try because "she-who-always-falls-asleep-by-7pm-at-the-latest" was still wide awake. By midnight, I gave up and took our darling baby daughter (not the words that were used at the time...) to the car to go to sleep. I love our Prius, but it is NOT a good sleeping place! I made a blanket nest in the back of the car, put Gretchen in the back, climbed into the passenger seat with my sleeping bag, and proceeded to watch her play happily for about 15 minutes before passing out. She just needed to have some quiet alone time before going to bed. She woke up several times during the night, but was easily comforted back to sleep.
Our plan of pancakes for breakfast was a flop. Do you remember me saying we had a hurried departure? Well, we managed to forget several items, like the griddle top for the stove. Oops. Fortunately we had leftover hot dogs.

After breakfast we walked down to the creek. Quin loves playing next to rivers! E stayed with Quin and Paul played with Gretchen while I took some photos of the scenery.
We then packed up our stuff and figured out who was riding with whom. The kids and Eric were exhausted, whereas the rest of us were interested in hiking, so I caught a ride with Paul and Robin. Unfortunately, we didn't find any good hiking trails on that side of the pass, and we didn't want to turn around, so we headed home. I got the best end of the deal: I didn't have to drive, and I didn't have to be in the car with two exhausted kids who took the best naps of their lives that afternoon.
We had a fantastic time, and I hope we can get in at least one more camping trip this summer!

1 comment:

Toki said...

I thought E was exhausted too. Where are the black and white photos of him napping?