Lizard Sighting!

Came home after two days of camping and the lizard was sitting right at the front door. Tried to catch him, but missed. He's hiding behind the computers again. Poor thing.

Camping was...an adventure. We learned a lot for next time. And the kids had a blast! It was made of complete awesome to watch Ike, Elli, and Gwen wander around with a large pack of kids having a good time, I heard a lot of laughter, "Mommy! Can I go play with my friends?" and a lot of fun. Which made any difficulties with the weekend completely fade to nothing. It was worth it, and I'm wanting to do this again.

Notes from This Weekend's Camping Trip

This weekend we went off with Ike's school on a camping trip at New Brighton Beach State Park. To sum up: we learned a lot, and it was soooo totally worth it.

Things to remember for next time

• Pack the tent
• Pack breakfast food
• Don't worry about leaving on time
• Release the need to be in control 100% of the time
• RELAX
• Bring containment system for Gray (read:playpen. Joe and my backs are sore after him spending most of the weekend in the backpack)
• Bring entertainment for the kids i.e. bikes, skates, scooters, balls, toys, etc
• Bring GAMES!!! Duh!
• Bring a big stake to stake Charlie to.
• Remember quarters for the showers
• Bring a LONG extension cord for blowing up the beds
• The beds need to be topped off every night
• Turn the van engine on when blowing up the beds.
• Pack towels
• Bring caffeine
• Bring lighterfluid. Those solid cubes of firestarter suck!!!
• LOTS of briquettes
• Bring wood
• Get sleeping bags that zip together
• Camping for 3 days requires more than 2 dishtowels. Try a dozen next time
• Camp chairs for adults would be very nice.

I think that just about covers it. If I think of anything else, I'll come back and add it.