Camping

 A family from our small group invited us to go camping with them one night last weekend. Matt and I have never been big campers, but Tim and Martha are! We knew that Ian would love every moment of it, so we jumped at the opportunity to go along with some experienced campers (who just happen to have a son that Ian really enjoys spending time with)!

From the moment that we told Ian we were going camping, he was convinced that he needed to help Matt set up the tent that we had bought from Target a few weeks before. In fact, while packing for the trip, he gathered four toy hammers that he had from around the house in order to help with pounding in the pegs. We told him he could bring two. When we got to the campsite, Ian's friend Christopher asked if Ian wanted to go to the playground. "No, Chris!" Ian said, " I have to help my dad set up the tent first!" Ian happily helped hammer in all of the pegs and was very excited about having the chance to spend the night in a tent.

After setting up camp, the boys got to work digging. They were very excited to find tree roots under the dirt.

 Then, we headed to the playground that was right across the street from our campsite. (We camped at Huntsville State Park, only about 45 minutes away from our house. It was a nice park!)

 Ryan gets some cuddle time with Daddy on the swing.

 Ian was pretty excited about climbing up to the top of this play structure. We're guessing that there was a slide up at the top at some point.

 Ryan enjoyed climbing around, too!

 Then, the boys went for a bike ride around the state park while the rest of us walked. We realized while walking that Ian had never before biked on hills. Matt had to give him a quick lesson on braking and not pedaling like crazy on the downhills. There was only one close call when Matt saved Ian and his bike from tumbling down a bunch of stairs. Thank God that His angels were protecting Ian -- and that the Lord has given Matt super fast reaction skills!

 We biked down to the lake, where Ian was very excited to see lots of lilypads.

 Christopher and Ian were convinced that we might get to see some fish if we dropped trail mix (particularly marshmallows) down the hole into the lake. Surprisingly, no fish appeared. :)

 Ryan enjoyed walking all over on the "boardwalk" and picking up any trail mix pieces that were dropped.

 The boys biked really fast, so Matt and Tim gave them directions for the next stopping place before letting them take off each time.

 Back at the campsite, we relaxed on our chairs. (Ryan loved that there was a chair his size.)

 Mackenzie (about 7 months older than Ryan) was just waking up from a nap in this picture, I believe.

 Then the older boys set off to find twigs for our campfire.

 While Tim and Martha made dinner, Kim played a memory match game with the older boys and Matt watched the younger ones.

 Ian got to help Mr. Tim grill the homemade pizzas for dinner.

 What a delicious meal!

 Of course, the highlight of the meal was the s'mores for dessert. Ian took his job roasting marshmallows very seriously and did NOT want to burn them!

 After we were done cooking, Tim and Martha threw a cool packet into the fire that made the flames rainbow colored. It was fun to watch!

 Our boys fell right to sleep after shower time (they were exhausted!) but woke up a few times during the night. Thankfully, it wasn't too hot in our tent since we had brought a box fan to plug in. (I know, I know. That's not "true" camping ... but this is Texas. In July. Our handy friend Tim even rigged up an air conditioner system for their tent. Lucky ducks.)

The next morning, after a yummy breakfast fixed by Tim and Martha, we went on another bike ride to the pond.

 Aren't the lily pads beautiful?

We had a great time, and Ian asked immediately when we'd be able to go camping again. Both Matt and I decided that we still really aren't campers at heart. We love being outdoors and away from "civilization," but we sorta love the hotel feel while vacationing. :) But Tim and Martha are slowly working to make us believers, and as long as they're willing to go and let us come along, we're excited to learn more about it ... and to let our boys have the time of their lives!