This past week we enjoyed
our fist camping trip as a family. Though I grew up going camping, I have never ventured out on a true camping trip in the years since Maya was born, until now. We had great weather and everyone got to try at least one new thing.
our fist camping trip as a family. Though I grew up going camping, I have never ventured out on a true camping trip in the years since Maya was born, until now. We had great weather and everyone got to try at least one new thing. Our first day was packed full of adventure. We rented a pontoon boat and tootled around Lake Itasca. This was Hannah and Elias' first boat ride and Maya's first time driving a boat. All three also got to see loons for the first time. We came upon a loon family. It looked as if the parents were teaching the 
baby to dive. We even saw one loon with a fish in its bill. Later we headed out to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The kids and dog loved being in the water. We even walked down the middle of The Mississippi River for about a quarter mile. The water was anywhere from 6inches to 2.5 feet deep. One point the water was too deep for the dog, she started jumping from side to side of the river then eventually realized that she knew how to swim. By the time we made it back to the car we were all wet so we decided to go to the swimming beach.
baby to dive. We even saw one loon with a fish in its bill. Later we headed out to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The kids and dog loved being in the water. We even walked down the middle of The Mississippi River for about a quarter mile. The water was anywhere from 6inches to 2.5 feet deep. One point the water was too deep for the dog, she started jumping from side to side of the river then eventually realized that she knew how to swim. By the time we made it back to the car we were all wet so we decided to go to the swimming beach.That evening we built a fire to cook hot dogs and s'mores. Everyone slept well that night. The rest of our trip involved exploring the park and a visit to the headwaters again. I learned quite a bit about the history of Itasca State Park (the kids weren't too interested). We all got used to eating outside and sleeping in a tent. Hannah practiced looking for cars in the street every time she headed to the bathroom.
Maya helped with a lot of the initial planning of the trip including meal planning, packing lists and budget planning. In addition she helped a lot with the cooking, cleaning up and keeping track of her siblings. The two of us spent the evenings out in the dark listening to the sounds of the night and star gazing while Elias and Hannah slept. For all her hard work she earned her first Junior Girl Scout badge.
We all had fun on our trip. Each child will willingly tell you their favorite parts of the trip. We returned home tired, dirty but happy. I'm looking forward to our next camping trip.
1 comment:
Totally fun! Nice work, Maya!!
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