Scenic Beach State Park

Several 'Firsts' to report over the weekend:

1. Finn's first ever camping trip (also, first night sleeping away from home)

2. Our first time camping with two kids

3. Clay's first time building a campfire (he begs to differ)...ha, ha

4. My first time riding in the car with a 70 lb dog on my lap...for two hours!

5. Koen's first campfire hobo dinner

We went camping with a few of our PEPS group friends. In light of the fact that most of us have infants, we chose to camp somewhat close to home. Scenic Beach Park was our final destination. This was car camping, mind you...with flushing toilets, running water, and a playground for the kids. Very cushy.

Anyway, the kids had a fabulous time getting super dirty. Koen was tickled to know that his friends were sleeping in tents, just feet away from ours. We ate hobo dinners full of potatoes, carrots, onions and ground bison! Of course, we wrapped up the night with scrumptious s'mores. Clay has the perfect technique. Even though I'd already roasted and eaten more than I should've, I dared him to make one of his specialties for me. How could I resist? He kept parading the finished product around, showing off its crispy, golden shell, and gooey, melty innards. I won't give away the entire recipe...you'll just have to come camping with us sometime! :)

That evening, after saying goodnight to the group, we sat as a little family of four around our very own campfire. Koen in Clay's arms, Finn in mine. It was peaceful and lovely. Definitely a moment to lock into the memory vault.


The littlest camper



Koen helped pitch the tent.





It's a good little fire! Nice job, Dad.



Oski is digging for oysters. Find us a pearl, old boy!




Our ghetto ride. Would you believe that Monty, our faithful old Montero, decided to officially call it quits the night before our big trip! Nothing would stand in our way, however! We crammed all our stuff...and the dog (we must love you, Osk)...into our Civic, and made the drive, minding the large bumps along the way!

How stoked does our dog look? Yes, this is where he sat for two hours. Clay took his turn holding him on the way home.



This was just the beginning of many exciting camping trips to come!