Taking a clue (ok, half a clue) from my own Mom who plans things to the nth degree and months in advance, I'm gathering materials, making lists and doing research in preparation for our family's first-ever camping trip!
We'll be leaving at the end of the month and staying for three nights. I am super excited! Our campsite is practically on the beach, there are a lot of walking trails, and tons of digging, collecting and exploring to do. But I'm also nervous. Not only will this be my first time camping with children, this will be my first camping trip as an adult. I'm not the planner my Mom is... its just not in my nature to know what we will be doing a week from Thursday at 10:50 am. Growing up, I never had to schedule things... I did mention that my Mom is a pro at that, right? I'm so desperately afraid that I'm going to fail in some major way (ok, who forgot to pack the toilet paper?).
To keep my fears at bay, I'm writing lists, finding all kinds of awesome information online about camping with kids (like here, and here), and talking to the girls about it. A lot.
Despite all the emphasis I've put on how far this trip is in the future, and this
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| A count-down to camping.... Xs until we reach the * (Yes, this is what passes for art in our house... hey, I did my best!) |
Punkin' Pie still thinks that we are on our way to go camping every time we walk out the door. She's super excited! And, thankfully, its contagious. I almost wish we were going camping every time we leave the house.
The List:
tent
sleeping bags
pillows (what? we're girls)
stove
lantern
TP (see? had to put it on the list so I don't forget it)
wood
clothes (worthy of rolling around in mud puddles)
swim suits
Treasure Bags (al la Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule)
sand toys
food (don't forget the s'mores!)
drinks (and ice for cool drinks-n-stuff)
And that's where I get stuck. It just seems way. too. short. Help! What am I missing? Got any tips for camping with kids? I can't wait to read your comments!
