We had a wonderful time camping with Jim, Clare, and Corinna at Henry Cowell State Park. Aside from the poison oak all over the place -- it was really nice!
Here we are picnicking at the nearby park because check in was not until 1 PM:
While sitting there Corinna made a comment about how laurel wreaths were made (because we were seated under a laurel tree). So we decided to try it out. Not bad, right?
Upon checking in... Vince and his team went to "work!"
Everyone wanted to help, but in the end, Daddy and MG finished together:
her reward from Daddy -- he brought the hammock and she was first on it!
They played while she read:
Then we went on a short trek to buy firewood -- Matthew was the leader this time:
And he safely guided us there! The fountain was a hit with all 3 -- they were pretty soaked at then end of this activity:
Back to camp.. these 2 had some bonding time:
Then it was time for dinner!!!! We had tilapia with seasoned flour (it was whatever I threw together the night before, tumeric, cumin, salt and pepper) and topped with panko to give it some crispiness:
With grilled asparagus (seasoned with tangerine salt)!
Everyone is happy:
Now on to "better" things:
Roast...
Squish
and enjoy!
Oh my! Did I mention these marshmallows are special campfire size??? They loved the extra oozes!
They all went to bed a bit sticky! But never fear -- they had a nice shower before bed!
The next morning we woke up with many birthday greetings for Uncle Jim!!!
Corinna made a lovely breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausages, fresh fruit and rolls! We topped out rolls with Matt's delicious apricot preserve that he made Friday night and handed over to me!
Everyone was happy!
A carnivore's dream!
As I said -- everyone was happy!
After a full meal, we headed on a short hike -- 2 miles round trip.
MD discovered this and wanted to check it out:
It was a high climb -- but he did well with some assistance!
He also learned how to listen for trains on the track:
Yes, that's the face we get now when we ask for a smile!
And look at the lovely end of the hike! We made it to the Garden of Eden!
The water was cold -- but he managed to stick his face in there anyway!
He was having so much fun!
But we had to leave, return to the car, pick up our lunch and find a nice picnic table. On the way back -- guess what we saw?!
And the nice conductor waved back with so much enthusiasm!
Lunch was delicious after that walk!
Back at the campsite site -- there were logs that needed to be cut for the evening's campfire:
He was using a hatchet!
Then the fire needed to be started for dinner:
And there's dinner! He wanted to roast his hot dog by himself:
Corinna is the cook this evening because Clare was busy getting the corn and salad ready:
Dinner was awesome! Hot dogs, sausages, corn, beans, and salad:
We ended the evening with another birthday song and cake:
The next day -- we packed up our camp and headed to Loch Lomond. I think this is our favorite spot this summer! Hello Clare and Morgan!!!!
The boys, Vince and I were on the row boat -- MD had his turn and then I had my turn -- going in circles made me dizzy so Vince had to finish up so we could actually GO somewhere!
Lunch is always better outdoors, don't you think?!
Playing at their favorite spot:
Then it was back to the dock and back home!
This is going to be another busy week -- and then we are headed off to another camping trip this weekend!
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