Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Our Camping Attempt

We made a last minute decision to go camping last weekend. We had a break in Sunday busy-ness thanks to Stake Conference, so we would be able to stay 2 nights. We were sooooo excited, it would be Carly's first time. And...probably her last. I love my cute little campers! Unfortunately, this was the end of the good times. Carly has never slept anywhere but a crib, so a sleeping bag didn't really work for her. After we put the kids to bed she got up about 50 times and chose to beat up on Easton. He was trying to sleep and she was being crazy. Steve and I decided we better get in there and try and get her to sleep. 2 hours later (11:00) she was out. Our neighbors on the other hand, were just getting their party started. Steve and I didn't get any sleep that night. Like, none. We just couldn't fall asleep, even after our kids did, and after our neighbors went to bed (around 2), we were still awake. It was rough.
We tried to make the most of it and let the kids have a good time. Is it just me or does Easton look way too old in this pic?

Our grown up boys. Look how little they were last time we went up there:

The one thing that got us through that day was having the Mathews come up for the day and play with us. We had a bbq and made smores and enjoyed being in the cooler temps and playing outside. So, even though we came home a day early and got NO sleep, we still had fun.

Here is my other problem. I was spoiled while growing up in Oregon. Our camping trips to the North Umpqua were amazing and there was never a shortage of things to do. Hikes, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, paddle boats, swimming, fishing...everything the great outdoors has to offer. Not to mention the never ending beauty. At Mt. Charleston there is NOTHING to do. 2 days would be my max up there and we only made it for one. I don't know if it's just my attitude, or the fact that I have been feeling reeeaaalllly homesick for Oregon lately, but I was disappointed about that. We don't really have the time to drive further to better camping areas, but we love to camp...what are we to do? We may have tried to explore more had we not been so sleep-deprived...maybe next time. And yes, I hope there is a next time. We have to keep trying!

11 comments:

Kara said...

I LOVE the pictures! I need to look for pictures from the actual first camping trip with the boys. I think that picture of Nathan and Easton is from a picnic up there for Chris' birthday. I'm sure camping will get easier and more fun with the kids as they get older. I agree with you about Mt. Charleston- it's just glorified city camping with people too close to you. CO and OR are WAY better for camping!

*Stephanie Lance* said...

Cute pictures! Those kids are getting way too big! I agree, Oregon camping is the BEST! Sorry you didn't get any sleep though! That always makes for a miserable trip! Hope its better next time!

Jenni said...

You are hilarious!! I'm sure the no sleep thing was not funny at all, but you just tell it so well that it cracks me up! I LOVE THE PICTURES! And I agree with you 100%,Easton is pretty much an adult and it's killing me. I like the other picture when he was a little tyke. And those pictures of Carly just melt my heart!!! That one of the kids with Steve is the BEST. Steve looks great. I miss them so bad. I was looking through my scrapbook at pictures from last time we were in Vegas and I REALLY need another visit!

I'm proud of you for camping with kids! I don't think I could handle it. Keep trying!! SOmeday it will be worth it... i assume :)And I totally see trees in those pics!!! It looks niiiiice!

Carol and Bruce said...

Yes!! Easton looks way to old. Remember how little he was at the reunion at Horseshoe? That is how I think of him. I bet he had fun just being outside and sleeping in the tent, sorry Carly was beating on him though. You totally have to keep trying as they get older it will be fun to do things like scavanger hunts, puzzles, etc. We should just have the reunion in Oregon camping every year, that way you could get your fix and everyone could be together and it would be easy to plan. Yes, I like that idea.

We are so looking forward to your visit!! Carly is sooo cute in those pictures.

Emily said...

Kara, that pic is from Chris' birthday picnic, but they are roughly the same age and sitting in the same chairs, so I had to use it. When did they get so giant?!

Christi said...

I am so jealous that we didn't get to go!!! I love the pictures of the boys. They were so little :) Hopefully it will go better next time and you can get more sleep!

Emily B said...

Is Zion too far? I think it's like 2 or 3 hours away. There's way more to do up there. I hope your next camping trip goes better!

Megan and Greg said...

I loved this post because I hate camping. I wish all people hated camping. Then I'd never have to go. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to camp this year- WITH A BABY!!!! Possibly even twice. What a horrible thought. I'm sorry it was a bummer of a night. I can so envision you and steve awake. My head hurts for you just thinking of it. Your kids are getting BIG. I miss you. You SHOULD come to Oregon :)

Aimee said...

When Steve told me about Carly beating up on Easton, I couldn't stop laughing. I know it shouldn't be funny but E is such a nice kid to sit there and take it! Hopefully that won't be the end of your camping days!!

I had the funniest thought this week listening to dumb people setting off bottle rockets at midnight and later...when did something like that start to bother me? Oh yeah, when I'm sleep deprived and worried the loud pops would wake up my kid! People should have more respect for other people's sleep!!!!

I'm sorry it was such a bummer night!

Matt and Shannon said...

I have decided camping is not my thing until the kids are older, but then again, we want them to experience camping at a young age so they love it as they get older too... dilema! You just have to bring games or go on a hike up at Mt. Charleston - that's all there really is to do. Horse shoes anyone?

Jill said...

That sucks! Sorry about the miserable night and crappy campsite. Glad you get an Oregon fix soon! I like your mom's idea. Let's get together to camp in OR every summer!