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.
