Camping: Sparta, VA

Early Friday morning, Aaron woke Claire up for school. Even though we were going camping, she had been insistent about going since she has Music class-- her fav-- on Friday. She had been back and forth the night before, but as soon as she opened her eyes... she had her heart set on packing her backpack with all of her "camping necessities". The kids all got around and by the time we got everything packed... we were out the door and on the road around 10:15. Then stopping for the kids to go potty only 20 miles into the trip. Mid-way through the drive, Chase was wiggling his loose tooth... then before we knew it... there he held it high in his hand! Lost tooth count: 5

Now camping isn't anything that I ever saw myself doing, but it seems like we've been going a lot lately. And strangely enough... it's growing on me. This time we went camping in Sparta, VA for MAR (Mid-Atlantic Rally)... it's a Rover thing. Anyway, Aaron and the kids LOVE it. Our Friday, was spent setting up the tent and me cooking dinner. Typical, of the kids... as soon as the tent is up... they become little tent monsters. Jumping, spinning... you name it... in the tent. One day, I just know that the tent will collapse. Until then, they'll keep doing what they do.

After a long night (thanks to some trashy 23 year old yapping until 4 am), the kids woke up around 8! YAY! I make pancakes and sausage for breakfast... AND they were SO good. I'm totally throwing out (ok, donating) my non-stick griddle in favor of my cast iron griddle. After breakfast, we took the kids up to look around at all the different Rovers and visit with friends. Their buddy, Big Mark, brought his 9 year old daughter-- Bailey-- and the kids had so much fun. We went on a brief 4-wheeling trip... just long enough to see the result of a D-90 that rolled and another Rover get stuck-- a highlight for the kids!

While I made lunch, the kids hung out with Bailey in her tent. She dolled the kids all up... lip-gloss and had the boys smelling like cheap hookers! We kept telling Chase that Bailey thought he was cute and wanted to marry him... I've never seen him so embarrassed. It was hilarious watching him blush ;) As I was getting dinner ready, the kids were still playing with Bailey. Aaron went to get them for dinner and he discovered the most amazing thing. Henri must have gotten tired and was on Big Mark's lap. He was falling asleep as Mark rubbed his back. Luckily, Aaron got there before he was completely asleep. Later that evening, we took the kids on a night 4-wheeling trip... only to come across Rovers that had been stuck for hours. Aaron had to back up in the dark... no reverse lights... and find his way out of the forest with no map. It was adventurous and I wasn't worried. My 2 sleepy heads were in their PJ's... Henri's sleeping head held up by me as we bumped and jumped around on the trails. And, in case you're wondering... yes, we made it out.... and quickly, too. Aaron has some kind of super power when it comes to knowing where he is and which direction he needs to go.

Sunday, we woke up to a very cold day and very dewy outside. Luckily, it wasn't raining. We packed up and the kids said their good-byes to their new friend. It was a great weekend... of no TV, no computers... just family and friends.