Camping = Playing Hard

I don't think the girls stopped all weekend long during our Memorial Day camping trip at Wheel-In Campground in Pennsylvania. We were so excited to be able to join our family and friends for what has been a Memorial Day tradition for many years. The last time we were able to be there was 5 years ago, the weekend before Aaron and I got married, so it was great to be able to get back.

We got in Friday evening and the festivities started with marshmallows over the fire. Alyssa slept in a tent with Daddy, and Lauren slept in the camper with Momma, Nana and PapPap. Alyssa was so excited about sleeping in a sleeping bag, she tried it out for a few nights before our trip.

Saturday and Sunday were filled with fun with friends, both new and old.There was lots of running around the campsites with lawnmowers, riding (for Alyssa) and climbing (for Lauren) on tricycles, and a few trips to the playground and sand box.

 

 Uncle Wally and Aunt Dena brought a pool to help everyone stay cool. The water was cold when it was first put in each morning. Alyssa and Mitchell didn't seem to mind and even Lauren braved the frigid water. 

 

 

 Lauren wasn't too crazy about the splashing water and immediately headed out when the splashing got to be too much.

 And Drew really wasn't sure about the cold water, he much preferred to sit on the side and take all the silliness in from a distance.

Another way the kids stayed cool was playing in the creek. Wading in the creek quickly became splashing in the creek, trying to skip rocks, sitting in the creek, and even looking for sea shells.

 

 

 

 

The girls were exhausted from all the fun. Naps were rough as the heat made it tough to sleep. Even when napping in their underwear they woke up sweaty.

Everyone enjoyed all the yummy food too. Lauren was constantly in the coolers and digging around for something to munch on. Alyssa really enjoyed her hot dog, breakfast mountain pies, and s'mores.

Some of the other highlights from the weekend include a hayride around the campground and upper field,

fishing with Ralph,

and trying out new moves at the dance.

 

Photos don't really show their dancing spirits. To see Alyssa so excited to be "dancing" with other kids and trying out some crazy, one-legged dance moves was priceless. And what to say about Lauren...she got warmed up slowly, just clapping her hands together while being held, but then she let loose. She clapped, bounced, danced, turned, and more all with eyes that glimmered with pure joy and excitement. I've never quite seen her so into the moment and having so much fun. That night when I put Alyssa to bed and we said our prayers, she reminded me to thank God for the fun time at the dance; it was that much of a hit!

The best part of the weekend was just getting away and spending time with family and friends. We all had such a good time, and Alyssa is already asking when we can do it again!

 

(I love this last picture!)
A special thanks to Dena and Lisa for sharing their photos with us. I was being a "bad mom" and was too into the moments to want to bother with taking out a camera. Many of the photos posted here were taken by Lisa :)