Let's start by something scenic, relaxing, silent.
Then look at the amount of children that happen to come attached.
And then you will realize that camping is not really vacation. Yes, it's a break from cell phones and internet. Running errands and keeping the house tidy. It's a break from work for the Papas and daily chores for the Mommas. But it's not quite dipping your toes in the sand with a captivating novel in hand.
We attempted and succeeded to enjoy most moments. We didn't tent camp, but stayed in studio cabins (pictured above), which made the whole "family-of-seven" ordeal doable. Campfire time is looked forward to as the rascally kiddos that hiked and fished and tubed all day were passed out. Adults gather and chat. It's a special time to be together.
Not until the end of the week did Jason and I figure out some pretty awesome kid-managing skills. Did you know you can actually split up the twins? It's true! For some reason it never occurred to either of us, but by him having one and me having one, it made trips to the river or reading at camp enjoyable rather than constant work.
Next time, I suppose. :-)
Annual friend pict (too bad some missed out on this):
Sissy Lulu was a bit of a Momma the whole time. She likes to mother a little one-yr-old who she has labeled with fantastic nickname. Girl after her mother's own heart.
The annual kids on a log photo...my we have reached capacity. We counted 21 kids at one point. That's good entertainment.
A good time had by all.
We finished it up with an out-of-town wedding which was quite challenging logistically and physically, but it was done and we had a great time--the oldest three were actually in the wedding and the twins job was looking cute... you see?
All of the cousins had a family photo shoot that morning, so they were done with smiling for the camera...even with brother trying his hardest, Scarlett would not bust a smile.
So we are back. The laundry has been going since early this morning and the kids have been sleeping happily in their own beds. It's good to be home.