Thursday - Saturday: camping

We went camping with Nathan and his family for a few days.  It's been a while since I've camped in a tent, but really, it was wonderful.

It helped that it didn't rain and the bugs weren't too bad.  At least, not for me.  The kids ended up with a few itchy bites, but we weren't swatting at bugs all the time.  

We met up in Big Rapids for a late lunch.  The kids immediately started being their crazy selves together.

We got the tents set up and the kids ran around for a while while Nathan and I pretended to read but really just talked to each other.  After dinner we went to see the sunset.  It was on a rocky beach and rock-lover Isaac was in heaven.

Friday the kids woke up early but not too early.  The quiet hours at the campground surprisingly ended at 6am, but we attempted to keep everyone quiet until 8am with mixed results.  After breakfast we went to a nature reserve for a hike.

Watching for sticks that they threw in the river on the other side.

I liked all their colors in the green forest.

In the afternoon we went to the beach.  We walked out to the sandbar and Isaac was entertained by going back to the shore and bringing us rocks on the sandbar.  After we got out because we were getting to cold we sat on the beach, but I didn't last very long.  It was hot.  And sunny.  I took Joshua back to the campsite and we had some hammock time.  Isaac actually followed soon afterwards and read. He read a lot more than I was expecting this vacation, but I loved it.

We went back to the beach right at sunset, but didn't spend as long there.

There was a small night hike to throw away the garbage.

Saturday.

We were planning on leaving Saturday afternoon.  Everyone slept in a bit in the morning, which was helpful.  Making a fire from the embers was a fun project right after breakfast.

We went on a hike on the campground trails in the morning, had an early lunch, and went to the beach.  There was some shade this time so I was much happier, but this time Joshua was ready to leave first.  That was fine; I needed to start packing anyway.  The drive home was uneventful.

It was a lovely vacation and I was happy to camp...really camp...again.

Wednesday: block party at church

We went to the block party at church tonight.  There was a bounce race, a bounce water slide, a dunk tank, and food.  We mainly went because there was food.

Also, I fed the worms today.  Two bins are doing ok but have fruit flies.  The third bin is doing amazing!  It's like a worm infestation!

Tuesday: this and that

I feel like I actually got a few things done today.  It was partially because the kids got out the nerf guns.  It started with just trying to hit targets, but then they realized it didn't hurt so they were trying to shoot each other.

I also probably felt like I got stuff done today because I only played one game.  This is down from my 2-3 game daily average.

Monday: song

It was an excellent and busy day and I hadn't actually been planning on blogging about it.  But then I remembered.  My children made me make up words to songs.  I was rather proud of one of the results.  

*Sung to the tune of Head, shoulders knees and toes.

Do-nuts go in mouths not toes.
Mouths not toes, mouths not toes.
Do-nuts go in mouths not toes, 
But you smell them with your nose.

Sunday: more games

We played several more games today.  And cleaned the basement.  It really needed it.

Isaac (and Giraffe) enjoyed playing with the blanket right before bedtime. 

As a completely random aside, I really wish that county and country weren't spelled almost the same and both refer to an area of land in which one resides.  Slowing down to inspect the word to make sure I'm giving the correct answer is annoying.

Saturday: home

 Ben and Isaac worked with some electronics to work on some lights that he got for his birthday.

Tornado was living his best life.

Friday: cats

 Both cats managed to sit in the dryer, one at a time, so I couldn't close the door.