Backyard Campout

The plan this summer was to take a few days and introduce my kids to the wonderful world of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Unfortunately Mother Nature didn't have the same plans. That area of California had an unusually snowy winter and spring, which meant there was still a ton of snow on the ground in July. When we saw that roads were closed we decided this wasn't the year to go to Lassen. Since the girls had only been camping once (Ainsley was three and Kaylee was just a few weeks old) and Landon not at all, my dad and I decided we'd try a backyard campout instead. We've vowed that we'll take them to Lassen next year - weather permitting.

Some highlights of the campout included: Landon and my dad shared a tent while my mom and I watched Jane Eyre that night and slept inside. While roasting hot dogs, Landon roasted his for about five seconds then ate it right off the stick. When my Mom saw what my brother was reading to the kids, she told him she wasn't sure I'd want him reading it to my children. His response . . . "Christa is the one who bought it for me." True, but I don't know that I ever thought he'd be reading it to my kids. They of course thought it was hilarious. We made s'mores, and the kids ate giant marshmallows from Mexico. We had lots of fun! The kids loved sleeping outside in a tent, so they passed the test. Next year it's Lassen for sure! Hopefully.