A Campin' We Did Go {In the Rain!}

Several weeks ago we planned a camping trip with our friends, the Sniders.  We have had some truly beautiful (yet dry) fall weather the last couple of weeks, but as it would be, it would take our impending camping trip to bring rain and cold weather 'round southeast Iowa!
We made reservations at neighboring campsites at a state park just midway between our towns.  Papa Curtis brought us his camper, and we were oh so glad we weren't in a tent!
It took much much planning and much much packing to pull off a successful camping adventure for 7  Beelers + 5 Sniders!
We ended up taking out the back 2 rows in our transit and packing all the bikes.  In the end, it was good to have the children's along as they were able to ride in the drives, but the trails were much too hilly for children (or Jenn) to conquer so there wasn't a need to bring our adult bikes and baby/toddler bike trailers.  Live and learn.

Check in was Thursday, September 10th at 4:00 and we got our sites set up in the misty rain.  By "we" I mean I stood around while my dad set up the camper with help from Mike and Jake.  While I finished setting up our camper and unpacking inside, Chelsie took the kids for a walk.  She had the forethought to put our supper on in crock pots before we left our houses and that was a great idea.  My potatoes still weren't done, because I'm a mess, but we made the best of my mess and the rain and fed our kids.

In the rain. 😉

The rain did not let up and the playground, though empty, was a puddled, soppy mess, so we resorted to camper fun for the rest of Thursday evening.

Friday, September 11th

The rain persisted.  While I was getting breakfast for the others, sweet little Evie fell completely out of the camper door.  I think she missed the steps, falling beyond them except for her leg on the last one, and kerplunked right into the mud below them.  We were quite lucky, as her little head was just an inch from the leg of the iron stove sitting under the canopy, and mother was much more cautious the rest of the weekend.  As it turned out, she had only a couple of bruises and a busted lip.  She did get a warm bath and another fresh set of clothes.  Mom got a fresh set of clothes,also, as I rushed after her into the mud and rain in my bare feet and pajamas.

While I was fixing up Evie, getting her down for nap, and finally eating my breakfast, Chelsie took the other kids for another walk during a break in the rain.  God bless her.

The rain came back so we resorted to camper games.

We brought along an early birthday present for Joslynn, as we anticipated it getting a lot of use with the forecast.

We have this game and like it a lot, and J loves to play it when she's here, so we thought one for her was in order.  It got a lot of use over the weekend.

After lunch we finally told the weather nevermind, and went out for a hike regardless of what it was doing.  We found the large shelter, the beach, and had a nice walk in which we all got to expend a little energy.

The others continued walking, while Natalee and I took Evie back to the camper so both girls could have a rest. 

Friday afternoon we popped a bunch of popcorn, put a movie in Jake and Chelsie's camper, and let the damp kids warm up and veg.  The adults sat outside and visited before starting supper.

Eventually the rain stopped (ish) and we succumbed to letting the children play on the wet playground.  They were filthy and damp but had a good time being children, as evidenced by Ameliya's wild, curly hair.

Saturday, September 12th
The day dawned gray and foggy, but not raining!  Success!  We started slow with our breakfasts and then some outside play.

"Mia, did you sit on the rainbow you drew?"
"No, I don't think so."
.....

Play-doh!

After lunch we headed over to the beach via the still slightly muddy trail.  We packed sand toys and did not dress appropriately for how wet the kids got. HA.
The kids had a big time making a river waterway and "wading" in the water.

We rented a four seat paddleboat and gave rides to everyone who wanted one.  Mike peddled the whole time and took turns with me, Xavier, and Natalee helping out.  Chelsie and Jake took beach/lifeguard duty while we rotated paddle boat rides.

Evie got so very dirty.  And so very tired.

When we got back and I cleaned her up, I had to turn on the air for Evie to nap!  Crazy weather!

The kids played hard all evening at the playground and on their bikes. 

 

We had chicken and pork steaks for supper and were eating our delicious meal when the heavens opened up one last time and dumped on us.
At this point I kind of lost my temper with the weather and had to adjust my attitude in the camper.  While I did, I gave my little Z-Sam a warm shower as he was damp and chilly and needed warmed up and snuggled up.  I went to Chelsie's camper, confessed my grumps, moved on with slightly less attitude, and tried to redeem the night with the kids.  Jake and Mike roasted s'mores again for us and we ate them in the Sniders camper instead of letting the kids back out into the mess.

A clean Sam trying not to get s'more on his pjs.

We adults (so they tell us) got all 8 kids cleaned up and in bed, and then we sat around the fire until 1 a.m. visiting and enjoying ourselves.  The sky was so clear and the fellowship was a definite highlight of the trip!

Sunday, September 13th

Last day of camping!  A little gray and foggy coming in, but it warmed up to toasty!  While the kids played outdoors, I packed up the camper and cleaned it out as best I could.  We packed our sandwich fixings to have a picnic at the beach, then loaded up and went to play in the water.

The kids wore swim wear and got fully in the lake, though it was chillier than they anticipated, I think.

Sunday we rented a kayak, and again Mike gave all the kids a turn.

Dare I say the sun was even a bit intense and we should have worn more sunscreen?  I moved Evie to the shade midway through our play.

Sunday's beach play was our grand finale of the camping adventure.  We came back to the campers to finish packing out and cleaning up. 

Grandma and Papa came back to get the camper and we had a nice short little visit with much appreciation for them letting us borrow their home on wheels! 

We came home with 2 vans (yes, both) loaded with dirty laundry, dirty gear, dirty children, but happy hearts.  Despite the weather, we had a wonderful time with our friends and are so thankful for the memories we made.  You know, children don't see wet and mud and mess - they just see the fun and adventure, and for their perspective I am ever thankful.