Get out and go...

Camping with friends.

This past weekend we went camping with friends to Chain O'Lakes State Park near Albion, Indiana. We had such a great time hanging out with some of our friends. Our main goal was to relax, enjoy our campsite and swim. We managed to get all those in and then some.

We typically camp on our own but after posting about our last camping adventure a couple friends asked to join us sometime. So, when we started planning this trip, I messaged them and told them that we wanted to do an easy camping trip with little to no hiking, more water activities, hanging out at our campsite and we were thinking about Chain O'Lakes. I was thrilled when they all said, "Yes, but what do we need?"

Here's the thing, most of them had not camped as family units and some had never camped at all. They needed almost all of the basic gear for camping. Like tents, air mattresses and cooking items. Now, one of the guys could be considered "The Great Outdoorsman" and they had everything but his wife wasn't really into camping, so they had never gone.

The best part, they all took to camping like ducks to swimming. I was beyond thrilled when we were all having a great time and our kids all got along and it was so easy going.

All packed up and ready to go. The picture that caused all the problems.

Friday morning we packed everything into the car and had enough room to bring Emerson's bike and Rhys's big wheel. I sent this picture out as we were taking Sydney, the dog, to doggie day care. Quickly, I was asked about the helmets and if we brought the bikes. I said yes, last minute add because we had room. One other family decided to bring theirs.

We got to our campsite to be greeted by two of the families already relaxing and enjoying their time. We made camp and got all settled and gave the kids play-doh to keep them occupied for a bit.

The last family arrived, set up camp and the bikes became a big hit. They all were riding the bikes while dinner was being made. The littlest guy was getting restless and I decided to walk him around the park in his stroller to get him to maybe fall asleep. Several of the kids came along with me either on bikes or walking and then taking turns with the bike.  As we came back to our camping area, there was a lot of commotion. One girl had gone off on her own with a bike and had an accident. Thankfully, there were people around to make sure she got back to her parents. She had broken her arm. 

Our dear little friend was ok, with just a buckle break and was able to finish her first camping trip. We were able to all enjoy our evening around the campfire with s'mores, drinks and stories.

The next morning started early. Surprisingly, everyone was up and going by 8. We all made our breakfasts, took a short walk with the stroller and bikes, and then packed up our things to head out on the water. Our kids love to play in the car when we are camping. We found out that all kids love to play in the car when we are camping.

We decided to rent a row boat, because our boys had not been in a boat like this, only a ski boat. I thought this way if they stood up they were not going to tip the boat. At first its was nerve racking. I could see my monkeys, well one of my monkeys, thinking it was ok to just jump in. Really, they both did great. It took Eric a minute to get the hang of the oars. I did try it, so I know how hard it is.

We decided to take this channel from Sand Lake to the connecting lake. At first Eric was doing all the rowing and then he asked if I could help him out and take an oar. Best idea ever. We started moving and made it to the lake to have lunch and hang out for a bit. While we were in the lake we picked up two of the kids in a canoe that didn't like the unsteadiness of that vessel and Emerson quickly jumped at the idea to ride in a canoe. The ride down the channel was beautiful. Wish I had more pictures.

We made it back to shore as the littlest guy was dozing off. He took a great nap in the shade while being attended to by these great little helpers. We played in the water for a bit, ate some food, drank some drinks, and sat around talking. Then I decided I was done and the boys were wanting to head back to camp. So, we loaded up all the kids and took them back so the other parents could have some time to relax kid free.

We went to the park, played with play-doh and face painted.

Rhys became best buddies with this cutie and whenever he sees her picture he starts yelling her name.

Dinner time. For the first time, we decided to do some cooking over the fire. You would think that we would pick something easy. We choose pizza. Emerson got tired of waiting and asked for a hotdog, mostly because he wanted to roast it. To be honest, I am not sure how much he ate this past weekend. Everything I offered him I found half eaten laying on a table. The pizzas turned out great and we have decided to add those into our meal planning for camping.

After dinner, the moms and kids decided to go for a short hike. A couple of kids were on the bikes and I had the stroller. The bigger kids said that they they had been on the trail several times and riding their bikes would be just fine. Well, it wasn't. The second bike accident happened to one of the boys. (not my boys) His poor chin and inside of his mouth took a beating. He was in a lot of pain. He is doing fine now. This was when my picture that I had sent with my boys wearing their helmets came back up and I was blamed for the whole idea of bringing bikes, jokingly. I will take the blame, but not for the accidents!

As the sky began to grow dark we were all around the campsite hanging out listening to music and just having a great time. We danced and talked and laughed. Then we all prepared for rain to hit us sometime in the night. We were pretty lucky the the rain was just showers through out the night and while we packed up to head home.

Eric and I are very lucky to have such good friends. We had a great time with all of them and would go camping with any of them again. Thanks for wanting to come along with us sometime.

The Forth of July...

                     
I love parades, cook outs, and fireworks.  Naturally, the Forth of July is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate and usually by doing all of those things. Our town has a great celebration. The town square gets decked out with flags, there is an evening parade, a festival with music, food and games, and fire works.

This year we participated in the parade with our preschool. The theme of our float was super heroes. All the kids were dressed in red, white and blue with capes or super hero costumes. It was super cute. Most of the adults dressed up as characters also. I walked the parade passing out candy. It started out great but by the end I was so exhausted because we decided to go for a run earlier in the day that ended up being a 5k in distance. Not the best idea when you have to walk a parade that's roughly four miles!

2014 Forth of July Parade

We are very lucky in that we live within walking distance of all the events. The parade is a block away so when we hear it coming we walk over and stand in the street and watch as long as we all can. It is a great community parade with lots of businesses, organizations, our first responders, high school bands, pre-schools, scout troops and politicians. Plus, a roller skating frog! Who wouldn't love that! 

We were lucky to get to spend the afternoon and evening with our good friends. Even Syd, the dog, got in on the super hero action. As the sky began to grow dark we packed up our things to head to our spot to watch the fireworks.

Things that I love...

Summer Events.

The Summer Concert Series. 

We are pretty lucky with our great parks system within our city and neighboring cities and on the county level, also. Each summer our city and the cities around us have a summer concert series. You can pick a free concert every weekday evening. Usually, local cover bands that have a good following and very family friendly. 

The Baseball Park. 

We love going to minor league games at Victory Field for the Indianapolis Indians. My favorite place, the lawns in the outfield. The boys can run around and make friends with everyone around us. 

The Pool. 

Since forever, I have loved spending my summer days at the pool. We are fortunate that our YMCA has a great outdoor pool and splash pad. 

Here's the thing, I often wonder if we are doing too much with our kids? I remember many a days spent at home doing nothing but riding bikes, playing in the sand pile or playing some type of sporting game. Seriously, my brothers would play baseball catch and we would play a game called "Run Down". I was always a permanent runner, it was basically a game to work on getting the runner out. My catching skills were not that great and my running skills not that much better. 

Not to mention, the hours we spent taking care of our family's garden and then harvesting it. Somehow, my mom would manage to can and freeze enough veggies, tomatoes and fruits to make it from the end of summer to the beginning of summer each year. 

I think that I just have many fond memories from my elementary school age-self that revolve around our home and I hold them very near and I want those same type of memories for my boys. 

So, are we doing too much? No, we are creating our own family memories that bring along bits and pieces of our childhoods. I am totally going to play Run Down with my boys and only sometimes be the runner!

Peaceful.

Our Memorial Day weekend was spent camping in Lincoln State Park in southern Indiana. We enjoyed a great few days of hiking, swimming and playing.  

We are very thankful for the soldiers whom have given their lives for our freedom. 

Get Out and Go...

Camping!

We spent our Memorial Day weekend camping in Lincoln State Park in southern Indiana. It was a great time! The boys loved being outside, sleeping in tents and hiking around the forest. Not to mention, we loved it too!

We spent our days hiking around the state park and the national memorial, Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. 

The state park has a cool fire tower you can climb up, a Great Lake to swim, fish and canoe in, and very kid friendly nature center.  

The national memorial is where the boyhood home of President Lincoln was. There is a living museum with a cabin, wood working shop and farm. As well as, a great memorial/museum building. Plus, it's a great place to get your kids first Jr. Ranger badge. 

To become a Jr. Ranger, each kid has to complete the number of pages, in a workbook they provide, for their age. Emerson did a great job of completing his three pages of the workbook. There are several things in the booklet age appropriate for three year olds. Then we just let Rhys scribble on a word search page, which worked! Rhys was asleep on my back when they had to take the oath and receive their badges. They both are now Jr. Rangers at Lincoln Boyhood! 

Not gonna lie, I was a pretty proud mama!

One of the best parts of our weekend was getting to spend the evening with my brother, sister-in-law, nephew and niece. Emerson and Rhys adore their older cousins and were so happy to have visitors to our campsite. 

Eric and I both love going camping with the boys. It's easy at times, non-stop work most of the time and  constant awareness all the time. There are times, several a day, where I want to throw in the towel. Pack it all up and head home. Somehow, we manage through. Pretty sure, the campsites near us get several good laughs, which I am ok with.  Most of the time, it's just figure out how to make everyone happy. We have learned to just roll the windows down and let the kids play in the car!

Get out and go...

Days like today make me count the seconds until warmer weather and we can get out and explore. It's snowing, windy and bitterly cold.

Each year, I set goals for our family adventures. Last year, was to take a three week vacation with the destination of Yosemite National Park for a week. This year we decided that we would stay a lot closer to home. We are going to explore Indiana. We set goals like going to all of our state parks, seeing as many towns and cities as possible, checking out festivals and attractions, participating in our town events, and doing things we haven't done before. 

A couple weekends ago we decided we needed to go on an adventure that was in our town and something we hadn't done before. We choose to paint ceramics as our first adventure of the year. We went to our favorite place to grab breakfast, a short walk around the neighborhood, a coffee and hot chocolate stop and then walked next door and painted a mug and a plate. 

This time Emerson and Eric picked out what they wanted paint. Eric choose a mug to put the boys hand prints on. Emerson painted a plate however he wanted and then I added his name, a drawing and dots. The process was fun and the boys both enjoyed painting. 

I love that we have decided to focus on doing things around town and within our state. Sometimes, I feel we get caught up in the grand part of doing things that we look past what is right next to us.