Annual Camping Trip

3 years and counting, come June, we pack it all (I literally mean ALL) up and head to beautiful Shenandoah National Park to camp with our closest friends. We all look forward to this quick, but fulfilling, weekend. Below is Drew's handiwork. There is no excuse for bringing this much crap stuff for a 2-day outing. But keep in mind we have a 5-month-old, and were it not for her, there would be no stroller, pack 'n play, or 25 blankets shoved into our trusty minivan. It's a good thing none of our friends were there when we unloaded this, otherwise there would've been cause for minor embarrassment.



Upon pulling up to our site, Addison was squirming in her seat to use the ladies' room. After running to the bathroom, we walked back to our car and saw these lovely creatures not 30 feet. The baby was actually nursing. Pretty sweet.

 And this one got out of the car and into her camp chair and proceeded to stay there for the duration of the trip...

 ...except when she informed us that she wanted to go home, at which point we said, "No, we're staying here." And then she went to take a nap in the tent. An "avid camper" she is not.

 But come on. Does it get any cuter than this? Shoveling Cheetos into the same face that's smeared with dirt/ash? I think not. 'Tis the essence of camping and I'm glad she's learning at a young age what it's all about: food and dirt.

 Makenna has missed her two good buddies this year with all of them working hard at school every day and Noah moved to a new town. They enjoyed lots of bonding time. I call this "Makenna and Her Bros".

 Camping kids (and a huge monkey).

 The Girls. Our three families moved into the ward all at the same time and our kids love each other. (As evidenced in "Makenna and Her Bros")

 The whole gang roasting mallows around the campfire. (Thank you Continuous Self-Timer.)

 Makenna pounding a S'mores, straddling the leg of another daddy. We've found she is VERY comfortable hanging around other men. We're not sure exactly how to feel about this.

 Mann Family S'mores time.

 Both our girls are in love with Keith; he is the life of the party in their eyes. He's showing them a prank that involves a bloody nail through the finger. They sat watching in awe, not sure whether to laugh or be horrified.

 Here's Makenna demonstrating the nail prank to us. We told her to give us a scared, hurt face. This is what we got:

 He'll soon have Kendall wrapped around his finger too, along with our other two, if he keeps this up. I can't convey well enough how easy-going of a baby she is. I am blessed beyond measure with this one.

 Next morning, getting ready for our hike to Dark Hollow Falls. Makenna was feeling pretty snazzy with her new water bottle and strap.

 The kids were entranced by this bumble bee that Mark caught for them. It was the highlight of the morning.

 We made it to the falls! Gavin, Makenna and Mason.

 This baby wins MVP of the weekend. Truly. She was carted around in a big hiking pack, left to sit in the stroller, swaddled in a cold tent all night, occasionally fed when I remembered, and who knows what else. All with her happy little face on. I'm telling you, we got lucky with this one.

 Family photo-op at Dark Hollow Falls. Addison's just about had enough, on the verge of a melt-down, but always ready with a "Smile for the camera!". Makenna is loving life, Ms. Adventure. And Kendall is chillaxin', as usual.

 Mission complete. Noah, Gavin, Makenna, Addison.

 And a beautiful view of Shenandoah Valley on the drive home. We LOVE this annual tradition with our friends and can't wait for next year!