Our 1st Family Camping Trip

We have been wanting to take our boys camping for the longest time now and knew that the weather is just going to be getting colder and colder. So we packed up our gear and went up to the mountains a few weekends ago. Mike and Lindsay and cousin Hadley joined in for the adventure. We drove to our destination only to find it locked up and closed. So we drove around in the dark for about an hour and a half, desperately looking for a campground to set up at. We finally parked on the side of the road somewhere in Payson and claimed out territory. The poor motor home that was next to us was probably annoyed with our noisy children and talking and laughing. But they were nice to us in the morning, so I guess we weren't that bad to camp next to! It was so fun to bundle up our kids and sit by the crackling campfire. We roasted marshmallows and made smores (with Nutella instead of Hershey's chocolate bars) and they were delicious. We also roasted starbursts... I know, sounds weird, but it is so good! Makes them gooey on the inside and they melt in your mouth! We called Hudson "marshmallow" the whole trip because he looks like one in his puffy jacket. The kids had a blast!

 It was a challenge to get the kids to go to bed, but after singing to Hudson for a couple of minutes, he finally dozed off around 11:30! I ended up snuggling him in my sleeping bag all night because he was cold, but I didn't mind one bit. We never cuddle at night, so it was fun!

Parker doing what he does best-- making silly faces at the camera. I love that kid!

We woke up the next morning and were amazed by the beauty around us. We had no idea how gorgeous it was until the sun came up. It was truly magnificent with all of the beautiful fall leaves changing color. There was even a little creek below. It was perfect.

 Hadley couldn't get enough hugs and kisses from Hudson. But he didn't mind one bit. Cousin love! :)

 The kids all held hands while watching Steve and Mike chop fire wood for our campfire.

 This little boy melts my heart. I loved snuggling him in my sleeping bag. He slept like a rock snuggled up to me all night. Even though we woke up at the crack of dawn, I woke up with a smile on my face because of that little munchkin. :)

 Steve skipping rocks in the creek.

 We made delicious breakfast burritos and wheat pancakes for Parker (he hates eggs) in the morning.  I officially love camping food!

We had two very tired boys (and parents) on the way  home.

Camping trip = success! Can't wait to go again!