Deception Pass Camping!

 Although Maren has no memory of it, she apparently promised Jed & Rory that she would take them camping this summer.  When she could no longer put them off--we found two back to back days that she could get away from work--and that we could find a campsite (miracle).  We booked!  Then a few days later I found out that I had a math training.  Ugh.  But thanks to the miracle of zoom, I am now making up the training via recorded sessions.  So it actually worked out and we had a lovely overnight at Deception Pass State Park.

The highlight of this trip was definitely the campfire.  (No surprises there). we burned through so much wood.  Thankfully they had a little store right around the corner from our site.  But we should have bought more--because they didn't open early enough in the morning. Maren had to go to a convenience store nearby to satisfy our fire (and the kids') appetite for feeding the fire. 

I am really into the camp stove cooking.  It's fun!  (Makes me want a gas stove at home).

We sang camp songs (introducing Jed & Rory to some classics), ate s'mores, played card games (Cover your Assets, Uno & Monopoly Deal) and put more wood on the fire.

After we cleaned up on Wednesday, we went to the lake right there (Puget sound at your back as you sit at the lake--it's really lovely) and the kids swam and had a blast.  (Libby mostly sat in the car listening to her book.)   

It was a little tight in the site...not quite enough room for all of us around the fire. 

And definitely not enough room for both tents.  Emma's tent only has doors on the sides too--so it was tough getting in and out.  Luckily the littles kids stayed in that tent. 

Libby was into selfies with everyone. 

Ben played "Proud Mary"

Goodnight! 

We (of course) walked across Deception Pass Bridge....that is scary business.  The wind from the vehicles buffeting you as you walk over this small sidewalk WAY up over the water.  Nerve wracking.  Then we took a little "hike" to the summit nearby.  (.4 miles is not a hike--but some kids were complaining nonetheless.)

It really is so lovely! 

We are not afraid of heights...okay maybe a little

We tried to throw rocks into the water...and luckily no kids slid down in.  

Down behind me you can see the beach off the State Park where we camped.  

Masked ninjas at the bathrooms

I am trying to look on the bright side of the COVID restrictions that have taken away so many things--we haven't ever managed 3 camping trips in one summer before.  Thankful for all the outdoor time!