Memorial Day at Camp

Was it a fantastic weekend for you? Because it was for us! It started off a little interesting...Dylan and Gavin headed up to the Mogollan Rim after Gavin's end-of-the-school-year party on Thursday morning. They had big plans to beat the holiday rush and secure a decent camp spot for our group of 6 RVs. The trailer was a big hit at the preschool...all the kids were peering at it through the fence as Dylan parked to drop off Gavin before the party. Earlier that morning, we were loading the trailer and tying up loose ends around 6:30, and then Graham and I were off to daycare/work before D and G embarked on their adventure. I zoned out driving on the freeway and found myself 10 minutes past daycare and almost to work when I realized that Graham shouldn't be with me. Doh. I exited at McDonald, looped right back onto the 101 and headed in the direction from which I had just come. For the record, I didn't forget the baby was in the car...I just forgot he was not going to the same destination. Since I'm typically over-prepared in the mornings (because I'm neurotic and crazy), I usually arrive at work 10 minutes early. Which meant that, on Thursday, I was only 10 minutes late. After I finished my coffee and got my head in the game, the rest of the day went off without a hitch.

Too much fun in the hammock

Going for a ride on Beck's excavator

Dad is everybody's favorite!

Going on a bug hunt..

I was grossed out, but he was happy.

I might look like a dude, but at least I got in a picture with my kids!

This guy really knows how to kick back and enjoy a snack.

My favorite photo of the entire trip!

Sweet little sheep snuggler.

Teamwork!

Little skipper

Graham is not a fan of the life vest, but his favorite spot is right here with his dad.

These kids all worked together to catch a crawdad under a rock.

Uncle Max has a million kids on his boat!

Family selfie!

Group glitter craft!

Scavenger hunt with Cruz

A private dinner for these two cousin-twins

Graham and I got ourselves, our stuff, and our dogs packed up, left the house spotless, and pulled out of the garage at 6:25 on Friday morning. We made it to camp before most of the other campers emerged from their trailers, and so we spent three full days playing in the great outdoors. It was the absolute best. I'm not usually one to enjoy living on the dirt and dealing with a constant mess, but something about camping makes me so, so happy. And actually relaxed...which I know makes Dylan glad. I took a couple short naps, threw back a cold drink or two each day, enjoyed the cold weather and, as always, we ate like royalty. I don't normally even put much thought into dinner...but when we camp, we have hot food and lots of variety for every meal. We're all a little fatter for it, but that's just a sign of a great trip!

This trip, like most of the others, was about bug hunting, roasting marshmallows, playing outside with friends and taking the boat out to the lake. Three of our Prescott families came, as well as three of us from Scottsdale. In total, there were 14 children, ranging from baby to 7 years old. These camp trips will be what our summer memories are made of...I'm usually cranky about the Arizona summer, but I did gain just a little bit of summertime spirit over the weekend. It may be north of 100 degrees around here, but I have a good feeling we'll spend the next three months doing fun things in good company. I played hooky from my at-home gig this morning, but I'll play some catch-up tonight and then hit the grind that involves that awful commute tomorrow. Dylan is in town this week, so even though vacation is over, the days ahead are not such a tough reality.

And of course, we wouldn't have a long weekend...let alone democracy and the ability to live in peace...without our armed forces. Thanks to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.