We have returned from our first family camping trip. It has been twenty years since I have slept in a pop-up camper with my parents and sister, and I was eager to “get back in the game.” With the purchase of our new “light-weight” camper, we packed up and headed out for our first family adventure. South Higgins Lake State Park, the campground I camped every summer of my first fifteen years, was our destination. It did not disappoint.
Day One (Thursday): Todd met me at Higgins Lake (as I was already up there at my parents’ cottage). We set up camp after switching sites (for one with more shade and space). We were a bit bummed, as we did not have all of our equipment (our awning, fan-lights and privacy curtains were late). However, we managed to get everything up and the girls giggled with excitement when they joined us at our site. We enjoyed a campfire and turned in early. However, I got that nostalgic feeling, as I felt as if I had returned to a special place with special memories. Only this time, I was the parent sharing this with my own kids. So far, so good.
Day Two (Friday): It was a bit chilly and overcast as we embarked on our first full day. Since we were not completely set up (many things were still in bins), we decided to load the kids up in our wagon and head up to the local IGA for coffee. Awesome. We spent the day taking walks and having the kids play. Kenzie was so into it all, while Laney was a bit off schedule and did not nap well. She was a bit cranky from being sick earlier in the week. So, she was a bit of a struggle.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Around 3:00am, the rain hit. Hard. It was a torrential downpour for over an hour and a half. The girls slept through it. Around 6:30am, Todd informed me that there was some leaking in the camper. Disheartened, I left to email the company and our dealership to inform them that we were not as “watertight as we should be.” We didn’t get soaked or anything like that, but the seams need attention and a good sealing to keep us completely dry. I was upset, but it will be remedied. Professionally seam-sealed this week…
Day 3 (Saturday): Soggy start. Many campers in tents trying to dry out. SO GLAD to be in our camper off the ground. However, it was that muggy, icky feeling I despise. With a promise of sun later on, we trekked up to IGA for our coffee and headed to the middle of the campground to meet Smokey the Bear. Later, we had to head out to the store for medicine for Laney (poor thing had a sore mouth and needed relief). We also visited my parents to get away from the soggy site. Laney was grumpy, and we were all a little uncomfortable. Laney, still out of her routine, was still cranky. I was feeling stressed that things seemed to be going South…then the sun came out. We headed back, got our suits on, and enjoyed a day at the beach. When we returned, things were dried out (thanks to a breezy day). Mom and Dad visited later for a campfire, and things were looking up.
Day 4 (Sunday): An absolutely beautiful day. We woke up, used our new grill to make pancakes for the girls (did I mention our first one didn’t work and we had to return it the day before?). We took our morning walk and I later took Kenzie to the beach. Picture perfect. Laney finally took a good nap, we took Todd out for a Father’s Day dinner, and we ate ice cream. We packed up (in good time, I must say) and drove home late. Around 1:00am, we pulled in our driveway, already planning on what we would do differently the next time.
I loved it. Even the times I felt grimy and sticky from the humidity. Even when Laney screamed from being tired and cranky (knowing that as the kids get older, this will get even better). Even when the seams leaked a bit and got me all stressed out. Even when my Sunday morning shower was not so warm. Even when my hair was frizzy and pulled back because I was too busy with my kids to do anything with myself. I loved watching Mackenzie fall in love with camping. I loved watching Todd stress out because the kids were fighting or Laney was throwing a fit. I loved showing my family the special places I hung out when I was a kid camping with my parents. And yes, I showed Mackenzie the special spot where my dad tied up his fishing boat (at the end of a private path next to one of our favorite campsites). I remember sitting there as a little girl, when my dad was out fishing, and hiding there. I would daydream of the day I would marry a great person and have kids and bring them here…just like my parents did for my sister and me.
Dreams do come true. Even if they come with few setbacks like torrential rain, cold showers and cranky kids (and sometimes hubby). All in all, we are campers now…I have the dirty laundry to prove it.
Getting ready for one of our many wagon rides.
The girls hanging out at the play structure.
Laney, Daddy and Fonzie check out the beach.
Hanging out with Smokey the Bear.
Delaney loved the beach.
Taking time for a snack and some coloring.
Taking a break for a movie in the camper.
Mackenzie hits the beach.
Delaney swinging happily.
Good times. Looking forward to more. A successful trip, yet exhausting. The day will come when the kids head out to hang out with new friends, and Todd and I will look back and laugh at the craziness of camping with our girls early on.
Perfect. Just perfect.