A Campin' We Will Go!

Dear Henn-e-bear and Hazy Lu, 
I am soooo happy that we were able to get in a camping weekend as autumn began to changer her leaves and cool the air.  We had the best weekend.  Henry, you were such a big help full of electric energy getting things ready to go and setting up once we got there. You were all about business.  You even stuck through a long effort getting our fire going.  Of course it didn't hurt that we allowed you to light the wooden match...more excitement than you could almost handle.  Hazel, you hiked around the woods intently looking for the right stick to bring back to match Henry's big arm fulls.  It was precious.

Setting up the tent sent you guys into a tizzy but blowing up the air mattresses and putting all of the cozy blankets on the bed.  We were worried the mattresses were going to pop the way the two of you were jumping back and forth, up and down and you went parent deaf...the two of you in cahoots, giggled and jumped and daddy and I sternly requested putting a stop to it.  

Our first bump...even so...I get it...air mattresses, camping, tent...  With the fire going, our stomachs grumbling, we needed to make some dinner before the time came for Camps BINGO!  We had some time after our chips, hot dogs and yogurt so we let you ride your bike down to the playground while Hazel ran after you.  

The slide at the playground was boarder-line dangerously fast and the two of you couldn't get enough flying off the end and landing on your butts.  We laughed our heads off.  Soon, it was time for Camps Bingo with free popcorn and candy bag treats for prizes, Henry won 5 times! Hazel, you were busy flirting with a sweet dog a couple had with them. We returned to our campsite and I think you were both TIRED.  

We hung out by the fire a bit. Hazel in her blue chair, Henny laid out on a serape.  We told a couple of stories and you were dozing so we got cozy jammies on and put you and Hazel to bed.  Of course, Hazel had to have a Kipper on Daddy's phone in order to fall asleep.  The morning was lovely.  Henry was in a lil nest in the deflating mattress and Hazel was a smiling sweet snuggle pea.  We woke up and got our fire going, each of you gathering stick and playing kind of the stump.  We went back to the playground while Daddy rested by the fire.  When we returned we made an awesome breakfast on the fire, eggs and bacon!  On moving the cooking grate over we found a little snake!  

So cool and fun and you kept him in a cup until we left and you turned it over to the gate keeper.  She assured you that he would be returned to an appropriate home and she was very pleased that you took such good care of him.  You beamed from the back seat and we were relieved it wouldn't be coming home with us and Hazel could stop trying to drink it.  A very successful and memorable camping trip.  I can't wait to go again.  I think with routine it will be less discombobulating with overwhelming excitement to you two and some of the bumps will smooth out.  

Henry, your help was awesome! You were a perfect stick getter and we would not have had the great fire without your hard and constant work. Hazel, is so flexible and easy going you make it easy to travel and hang out.  Love you both snuggly campers.  I can't wait until next time.  

Love, Mama

Hey. #hey

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The coolest.

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Caught, mid-mallow. #roastin

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Breffix.

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Found a snake in the woods!

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Team Thompson 2k14.

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WE'RE CAMPIN' WE'RE CAMPIN' WE'RE COLD COLD CAMPIN'

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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

Campin' Take Two

           Dear Henry, 

Camping the second time around went much better.  This time we brought Dave and Kate to experience their first camp out which gave you more people to play with.  We were smart and got you really tired before getting there by swimming at Grandma P's and Bahboo's house first.  With a lot of food and many popscicles down the hatch you were content.  There were a lot of people there and you played really hard so by the 

 time we got to Grandpa Tim's farm for hot dogs you were already winding down.  You gobbled down a bag of goldfish while waiting for your hot dog.  I got the fire ready while Dave and Kate set up their first tent and Dadoo kept an eye on you.  You woofed down a hot dog like it was your last meal and then played in the tent some until a melt down creeped in, initiated by you realizing you were zipped in and so I took you off to bed without a problem.  This left the rest of the evening for the adults to eat lots of s'mores, to tell stories and to relax.  You slept well and in the morning we cooked breakfast and Grandma P and Bahboo joined us for bacon, eggs and juice.

I was proud of the way you tried to help Kate put the tent away.  It was very cute. 

I think you're going to be a great little camper after all!  You like to explore, cook on the fire and you were able to avoid diving toward the fire this time, which can be totally problematic.

Love, Mama