Hi ho a Camping We Will Go!

Dear Marty McFly, 
Finally! Last weekend we went on an impromptu great adventure!  Saturday morning we decided to kick in June with a Hoosier National Forest camping trip.  This was to be your first tent camping experience.  The minute we told you your pint size body never ceased being in motion.  You eagerly helped me get all the gear together.  All day, all afternoon you asked, "Can we go camping now?  Can we go camping NOW?"  On the way to the park you got anxious, impatient and suggested random places to just stop already and set up our tent and start our fire.  Pulling in to the camp we drove around a minute to choose our spot.  We are a little picky about this and you were going nuts, "OH! Yes this one is perfect, yes this one."  
We get our site and unload the van.  Again you helped me carry stuff down and set up.  Full of excitement and anticipation you went ballistic.  Daddy and I had to really work at getting the fire started due to the rain the night before and the light mist that was falling.  You couldn't have life any better.  You were breaking into the snacks and jumping all over and falling all over and moving all over.  Tensions were high over by the fire pit and when your energy was shooting out of your body at a rate beyond this earth we had to sit you in your car seat so we could get that dang fire lit already!  Fire going we set up the tent and aired up the mattress.  

I found a gold medal left over from a pre-Henry summer camping party and made a big deal of putting it around your neck.  I said, "You are officially a gold medal camper!"  Your mouth grew agape and you threw your arms in the air and said, "I've got the golden medal!"  

Excited for s'mores

We ate some hot dogs and potato chips and headed over to the amphitheater for a herpetologist's presentation.  They had a slide show and a talk about snakes, lizards and turtles native to Indiana.  A couple of months ago we found a turtle on the road and we had discussed snapping turtles so when a little girl asked how big they get you answered out loud gaining a nod from the herpetologist.  You were so engaged in what he was telling us but toward the end you were ready for the tent.  

Back at the camp site you asked for jammies and you easily slid into your sleeping bag and passed out in seconds (with your side of the tent door open so you could see us).  Daddy and I spent some time together by the fire then joined you in the tent.  It was a chilly night but oh so nice to cuddle up.  

In the morning we got ready for breakfast by getting the fire going.  This time was golden on the first attempt.  You cheered me on.  You roasted a marshmallow and said, "I made this one for you because you made such a beautiful fire."  Awe!  Then you started exploring the woods around you.  Soon you were mumbling something with your hands gesturing out from you body.   Your Back to the Future obsession kicked in and you said, "Plutonium!"  Daddy and I said, "What?!"  You said, "Doc! Where's the plutonium?"  Thus the rest of our camping day involved eggs and bacon on the fire and LOTS of Back to the Future role playing.  

Thumbs up for campfire bacon and eggs!

We packed up and headed home and you were very tired.  You wanted to go back to camping immediately but for the next two days you couldn't stay awake.  Daddy and I were left with the happiest feelings, warm and fuzzies all around with your excitement and natural camping abilities.  We can't wait to take you again!  This is the kind of parenting excitement we'd imagined.
Love, Mama