Labor Day Weekend Camping Trip 2010

We were headed to Georgia to pick up our puppy this Labor Day weekend and we decided to make it a camping trip as well.  We found a place on the Georgia/South Carolina border with a big lake and what looked like great camping... Mistletoe State Park. 

We (our family and our best friend family) arrived on Friday afternoon after about a 4 hour drive.  We had reserved a walk-in site, and after looking at our options decided on a great campsite that was on a peninsula with lots of water surrounding it but not too close.  Perfect... but it was about 400m from where the cars were parked.  So after about 2 hours and multiple trips we packed in all the camping gear, food, etc. for 4 adults and 6 children,  400m doesn't seem like much but when you are carrying camp stoves, tents, blankets, pack in plays etc.. it definitely wears on you.  By the time we got everything loaded in we were exhausted! 

Our first night camping we had the classic meal of roasted hot dogs, potato salad, and smores.  It was delicious! We enjoyed some time around the campfire and then suggled up in our tents.  The first night no one slept good... that ground was hard and our bodies were not happy about it. 

Saturday morning we were up and at um at 5am... making some breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes.  It took us about 45 min just to get the camp stoves going.  When you don't use stuff on a regular basis there is a learning curve.

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT: Anthony was trying to get the stove going and he has the fuel tank for the stove in his hand and its on (not yet lit) and he takes it out and turns to try something else and there is fuel spitting out the end.  Taurin happened to be sitting in a chair nearby and as he turns we hear her say in a slightly irritated voice, "It's raining." Yes it was raining, but not rain. Fuel. The look on her face was priceless. (she was okay no harm done). 

After breakfast we head out to pick up our little Daisy.  

Here she is with Pastor Lem, his grand daughter, Marinn, and Taurin as we were picking her up.  She's a great dog, very sweet, and energetic. 

We caught her sleeping like this a few different times.. it's hilarious!

Saturday was lots of fun with swimming and snacking and just relaxing in the wilderness. 

Daisy with her daddy. 

"We love camping!!!" 

I don't know what got into Marinn but she just started striking poses... it was so fun and impressive to see what she came up with. 

Jojo... just one of the many chair casualties. 

This picture just cracks me up... they all look so relaxed and natural.

Feelin' the love.

This play yard was a lifesaver as a safe place for the babies to enjoy the wild. 

Anna Belle cutie pie! 

America's Next Top Model strikes again...

Shaw loved camping... crawling in the dirt, eating sticks, playing with pine needles. 

Such a pleased boy. 

Campers Dinner: this is a must on a camping trip! Hamburger patty, potatoes, carrots, S&P, Garlic Powder, Butter.  All rolled up in a foil placed on the fire.  Drizzle  with Ranch and wha la!! delicious! 

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT: The fire is going and we are prepping for a meal. Calmly we hear Brianna say, "Daddy, the chair is on fire."

We all look over to see the chair not just a little of fire but the seat is half way gone and there is flames all over. The chair was a total loss but a funny situation. 

Unfortunately we were all so busy laughing and trying to put the chair out no one took a picture. 

"LOVE"

This were created using a long exposure time and a stick that had been in the fire.

"family"  

We noticed Marinn hugging this tree and when I went over to take a picture I asked what she was doing.  She replied, "The wind is so strong it will blow me away if I let go!"  As I walked away she let go and acted like she was being blowing away... I love her creativity! 

The final group picture before packing up.  

We found this little guy as we were taking down Anthony and Jennifers tent. 

The girls for that I helped them build.  

End of camping Crossfit workout:

Crossfit Mistletoe

5 round for time

400m Walk with max weight Camping gear

400m Run 

This could also be called: loading up.

Headed home... 

We got a flat tire. After finding a tire place open on Labor Day we all (4 adults, 6 kids, 1 dog, 1 puppy in crate, 1/2 of camping gear) loaded in Jen and Anthony's van to grab some lunch while the tire was being fixed. Definitely a memory making weekend.  : )