boondocks boulevard: So Much Fun!

After seven long months, we finally got out on a camping trip again. We just went up to Bartlett Lake for a two-nighter and joined Max and Kristin and family, and it was the best time. The weather was perfect, and all the kids had so much fun playing outside the whole weekend. We actually got out on our little, old boat, which added some flavor to the adventure.

We had dreamed up this camping trip a week or two beforehand, but then Dylan found out he had to do a day trip on Saturday, so that foiled things. But then, while I was working on Thursday, he texted me from wherever he was and said the Saturday trip was off...we could go camping! For as much fun as it is, camping requires a lot of prep work. For me, I have to plan the meals and shop and pack for me and the kids and the dogs. But Dylan has to go buy propane and fuel and ice and fill the tank up with water and load all the stuff we need and get a cooler going and hook it up to the truck. It's not a one-day's notice sort of thing, especially because Gavin and I were due to be at his school's Western round-up that morning. But, we threw it together, grabbed some groceries while we were out, and totally pulled it off. We definitely didn't eat like kings for every meal, but we didn't go hungry, that's for sure.

But back to the Western Round-up. Gavin's school had Western Week all week with different visitors and activities. He came to school with his cowboy hat and bandana every time, but then they just sat in his cubby. On Friday, the school had a big round-up and party with five different activities and a little pizza party. I accompanied him to his party while Graham and Dylan took care of things around here. Gavin's not real outspoken and having me there made him a little more reserved, I think. But, he did come out of his shell a couple times, especially during panning for gold and the singing cowboy. His school is so cute. I love that they do these things.

Horse races! Gavin didn't understand and ran every time she said "Go!" even if he wasn't one of the kids with a horse. It was so funny.

They had a petting zoo with the cutest little animals. Baby pigs, bunnies, tiny goats, fluffy chickens...

Lining up with his class for the pony ride.

He didn't love the pony ride. He was just feeling so shy.

Then, we zoomed home, loaded up, and headed out on our weekend adventure. As usual, I'll allow the abundance of photos to do the storytelling.

Camping at the lake. Little kid in paradise!

A much needed getaway for these guys, too.

Sunset cruise.

BFFs and cousins.

The marshmallow clan

Hauling his equipment to the shore.

Bed head yogurt face.

Getting creative with a boat launch.

Cruz is a real Super Mario aficionado and made this "Bowser Cave" for he and Gavin. They played ALL afternoon.

This guy proved to be a handful but also had a fantastic time!

Endless entertainment with an empty water bottle.

Sweetest thing

Hudson took Kristin and Gavin for a cruise!

He just loved getting dirty and roaming around.

Up and down, up and down, all day long.

Snack time!

Love this yogurt face.

Watching for boats. He loved to point and say, "boat."

As usual, some of my favorite photos of the trip came off of Kristin's camera. She must have an eye for photography that I am lacking! I took like five photos of their family on the boat and they didn't come out nearly as good as the ones she took of us. Next time, for sure!