Catching the Camping Fever

Last week, we went on our first camping trip as a family to Guntersville State Park. We went with the Atchison's and the McLendon's and had a fabulous time! Who knew that I would love camping? It was just lovely in Guntersville - the weather was perfect, the scenery was beautiful, and the deer would walk up and even eat out of your hand! And there were no phones or television and no schedules to keep, which helped us all to relax and unwind. Luke, Holden, and Slade loved going on "adventures" with Billy. After one hike to the top of a large hill, Luke said that he was on top of the world! They also explored a small cave and went "snipe" hunting. The girls (Leah, Elley, and Merri Broxton) enjoyed playing in the tents and having a Halloween hunt (for goodies we bought at the dollar store and hid). All of the children enjoyed throwing sticks and pine straw into the campfire and cooking hot dogs and marshmallows over it. I loved that part, too. I mean, who doesn't love a gooey s'more? We ate a big breakfast that we cooked outside and even had steaks one night with steamed vegetables. So yummy, I didn't long for a restaurant at all! The best part for me was the adult time around the campfire each night. The kids were pooped, so they went to bed early, and we got to stay up, talk, laugh, and play games. The hardest part of camping was packing up; it seemed as if we were gathering things forever!

Some of my fondest memories:

-hearing Hope and Wendy laugh at Michael's crazy jokes

-schooling the men in "Catch Phrase" (girls rock!)

-watching the men build a fire and swing an axe (they are such good dads too)

-hearing Holden share memories of Alaina (she is missed beyond words!)

-getting to know my friends' children better (even when we had to referee!)

-kissing Elley's boo boo and seeing her smile at me (she wasn't sure of me at first)

-putting up a tent with my hubby (we were actually a good team!)

-eating (and drinking) with sweet abandon!

I love the memories we made and am ready to go again! Camping, anyone?