Hot Fall Camping... with Violet

Well, we did it.  We conquered camping with Violet.  Will we do it again?  Unlikely.  Did we have fun and make some memories?  Yes! 

We only had one possible weekend to squeeze in a camping trip.  Luke and I were feeling like we were about to loose our status as a "camping family" since we hadn't camped in over a year.  We were disappointed that, after a week of perfectly fall-ish weather, our trip was going to be back up to the 80's.  At the last minute, we reserved the last spot at a place 30 min south.  The short drive and access to fishing were great.  It wasn't our best camping spot ever, squeezed between other campers.  But, we made our little home in among the trees and had a good time.  

Violet was a pain.  She had to be on the leash at all times, but she doesn't like being tied down constantly.  She kept trying to back out of her collar or harness (which she succeeded at several times).  She freaked out every time I walked away, and Luke really did not enjoy having her walking in the tent, on sleeping bags, etc.  She started getting used to laying down and relaxing, but one of us had to always be holding her leash.  You can't tie up greys because they can run so fast so quickly, they can break their necks on a long leash.  So, one of us was always just caring for Violet while the rest of us did other things.   The other pain was the ant invasion.  They were not fire ants, thankfully, but they were after every bit of food, which was a bit annoying.  We surrounded our area and table with ant spray and tried to keep bugs and flies away in general.  It just wasn't quite the peaceful fall camping we'd hoped for.   

While Violet was maybe the low point, fishing was the best!  These kids love to fish - especially when they are all successful.  Lucy caught her first ever fish and she was stoked!!  

We stayed for 2 nights.  Our new dinner plan was campfire nachos - a hit!  The kids enjoyed wandering through the woods near by and getting lost in their own little worlds.  We hiked a few trails and the kids got to wade in the water with Violet.  We had 2 nights of smores and lots of time to chill.  At night, we were able to see a bright, full moon through the roof of the tent, lay on top of our sleeping bags and sweat, and be happy to be out together.  We are still claiming our title as "a camping family."