Labor Day Camp Out

The day is beautiful.  The sun is shining, the wind is blowing the laundry on my line.  The house smells of homemade bread and chili and the kids are giddy with excitement.  They have been looking forward to today for weeks.  It's Labor Day Sunday and we're going camping- in the backyard. 

They spent the morning trimming the trees in the front yard for the fire pit.  While Regan was down for her afternoon nap Dale taught the big kids how to put the tent up.  Then it was off to the store to get hot dogs and smores.  

Things were not perfect but it was great fun.  Ellie had a meltdown about grape soda.  There were a few moments of whining.  However it was so nice to bring Regan in at 9:30 when she would not lay down in the tent.  Took her about 3 minutes to fall asleep in her crib.  I think this was the greatest for Ethan.  All night he kept saying "This is the best night ever!"  Although everyone eventually ended up inside to sleep. 

I know that its tough for the bigger ones not getting to go on as many outtings because of having little siblings but they have something that I never had, growing up in a large family. Soon we can go camping for real but for now the backyard is perfection. We have all of the comforts of home but its still special and fun. Did I mention its free? I know this is something they will never forget. Besides sometimes the best things in life are free.