Camping 101 with Kids

Last weekend we went camping down at Inks Lake-it was was, how shall I say...an adventure!

Kolbe had soccer on Saturday at noon, so we headed out right afterwards, which was perfect timing because that's the time the boys nap. They did really well on the way out, they had a snack and slept about an hour or so, and Nickolas kept dosing off and on the rest of the way. We only stopped one or two times. It took us a little under 4 hours to get there, and that was with the time it took to find the campsite-which was awhile.

Keith's parents, brother and his family (including his kids, 4 and 2 year old) were already there and had slept there the night before. It was nice because we had an RV and tents. It was kind of close to the water which made me a little nervous, lots of people and bathrooms close by. The evening went well because it was new. The kids played, we went to the park, ate dinner, talked. Kolbe slept in the tent with Eric and Dorys and their kids. We slept in the RV with Keith's parents and put Nick in the daybed in there. He did GREAT! I was impressed. One of the kids accidentally hit the power button and we didn't know what the problem was so there was no electricity all night, but it worked out. Everyone was up about 7 and the chaos started!

The kids were crazy. We went fishing, took a walk, played, ate and tried to keep them entertained. They just got worn out so quickly and our boys were ready to go by noon! We headed out about 1:00 anticipating they would be so exhausted they would sleep the whole way home-that would be a no.

What should take about 3 hours, took 5 1/2! We stopped at least 6 times to get gas, for Kolbe to go potty, get water, let Nickolas stretch, you name it. The boys didn't sleep until we were about 15 minutes from home and they were NOT happy in the car. Needless to say, it was not the greatest car ride as we were all exhausted and ready to get home.

Camping.

Worth it-but in short periods and close to home! Just my advice.