A couple of months ago, we decided we wanted to give camping with the girls a go this summer. It was our first family camping trip, but it definitely won’t be the last! We had so much fun, we were planning the next one in the car on the way home. Eric and I were, anyway. Violet and Ruby were sound asleep as soon as we pulled out of the campgrounds.
On a recommendation from a friend, we chose Baumgartner campgrounds in the Sawtooth National Forest for this excursion, and we were so glad we did. We found a fantastic site within minutes of arriving, with plenty of open space for the girls to ride bikes, play and explore, but lots of privacy as well. We had great weather – it did get down to about 40 degrees the first night, but the girls were warm and cozy in their new sleeping bags. From the moment we set up the tent, they embraced every part of the camping experience. We had campfires both nights, and the girls gobbled up their foil-wrapped campfire-cooked meals. Once again, Violet enjoyed roasting the marshmallows, but declined to actually eat any, preferring graham cracker and chocolate sandwiches to fully assembled s’mores. (Mama was happy to help take care of the extra roasted marshmallows). Mornings, Violet had fun watching her Daddy make breakfast while she sipped on hot chocolate. During the days, we did as much as we could manage to squeeze in. The girls went on “nature hunts” (saw two snakes!) and wrote and drew pictures in their journals recording some of what they saw (well, it’s really anyone’s guess what Ruby was drawing, but she did enjoy her own journal!). They rode their bikes, and were able to swing on a small set the forest service guy had built. There was a hot springs pool that felt like a perfect, giant warm bath that we soaked in Saturday and Sunday, and we were also able to hike directly from our campsite to a gorgeous meadow where we attempted to fly the girls’ new kite. We really couldn’t have imagined a better inaugural camping adventure.
I couldn’t narrow down the photos to just a few, so I threw together a slideshow of them instead. If you’re up for sitting through it, enjoy:
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What fun! I loved the sheer joy on V’s face in so many of the pics, and Ruby is the sweetest! Loved the journals too – what a great idea! You captured all the fun Jenn and even managed to be in a few of the photos! Looks like a lovely place.
Wow! What a fun-packed weekend! I love your tent and just may have to get the specks from you….we need one of those I think. I could tell Eric was really enjoying himself too. I wish we could go camping with you guys.
What great pictures! Felt like we were there with you! Violet is so grown up in some of the pictures, and Ruby is precious!
LOVE the pictures! It looks like you had such a great time. I can’t wait to go with you guys soon!
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