Backyard Camping

As some others may profess, part of childhood is camping right? Real, out in the woods, roughing it, camping. Well, we did one Yosemite trip when Abigail was about 6 months old that sort of showed us that the kiddos needed a few more years on them before we could try that again. So we decided to try for backyard camping instead. Now, I know it doesn't really come TOO close to real camping, but Dave did get the tent up and we did put the sleeping bags and blankets in the tent, so we're getting there. :)

And Dave got the fire pit going even though he didn't have Duraflame. I'm so proud!!! :)

Another thing, Rachel roasted her own S'more! Almost 4 years old and she's doing it herself. I can't believe what a big girl she is! :)

And yes, for all those Gawenkas out there...Abigail had her first S'more!!! I had no doubt she would love it- she ate the whole thing! haha

What an amazing sugar high Mom!!!! 

Right now Dave, Ray, and Abbey are in the tent reading books and enjoying the smell of the smoldering fire. Is there a bedtime in sight? None that I can predict. :)

The ice cream truck

I love the ice cream truck. I mean, c'mon, ice cream sold in a truck that comes right to your house? Who couldn't LOVE that idea? We have money set aside on the desk for those rare occurrences when the ice cream truck comes our way. Rachel and I have run out numerous times in anticipation of that musical truck to roll down our street...and it never does. And then it occurred to me. We live in a cul-de-sac! Argh! So today when I heard that music I grabbed Abigail, yelled for Rachel (who was in the back yard), swiped the money, and went running down the street trying to catch that truck. We didn't make it. It was all the way down the street without a glance our way. I looked at Rachel and told her we would try again next time. I didn't realize that the next time would be right after dinner. Thankfully Dave was home and I could go tearing out into the street alone, as any parent who wanted ice cream for their child would do, and managed to flag down the truck before it turned the other way. Whew! It stopped right in front of the house and Rachel and Abigail's eyes glistened as they got to pick out an ice cream to share. We proceeded to the back yard where all rules and cleanliness were tossed out the window. :)

This is what makes it all worth it. :)