Spauldings and Antis Camping Trip

A couple weeks ago we started what I hope will become an annual tradition.  We finally got James' parents and sister and brother-in-law all together for a family trip.  And perfectly it was a camping trip!  James and Jacky grew up camping and backpacking with their parents for family vacations.  So it was very fitting that we all went camping for our family trip too.  The Spauldings got to reminisce about all their camping memories and now they get to experience and pass down their traditions to our boys.

I was so excited to go camping.  It's been a few years now sadly since we've been.  We tried camping when Nate was just around 1.5 years old (which was documented here).  But it just wasn't very fun. We brought way too much gear and Nate wasn't sure what to think about it since he was just getting used to walking.  So we avoided going the past couple of years.  My how things have changed now. Our boys LOVED camping. They were so in their element. No Legos, TV, Kindles, or any kinds of toys but they were in heaven. Rocks, dirt, sticks, creeks, streams, and wood paths were their toys and entertainment. It made me so happy to watch them be true kids deep into play and enjoying the natural beauty of God's creation.

We camped at the Johnny Creek Campground which is about a 30 minute drive from Leavenworth along Icicle Creek.  It was the greatest little campground because Johnny Creek ran right through it! I had no idea how helpful it would be to have a constant source of water close by with kids while camping.  It was a God send.  I must have went down to the creek 20 times with a washcloth to get the boys at least halfway decent before getting in our tent for bed.  One night we even made them take a freezing cold "bath" in the creek before bed and then we marched them straight up to the tent so they couldn't get dirty again.  Just a little ways down the campground road was access to Icicle Creek too which was so beautiful and refreshing.

The weekend was filled with eating, sitting by the campfire, taking a nature walk near Icicle Creek Gorge, a picnic lunch by Icicle Creek, riding bikes, games of cornhole, naps, smores, more eating, and exploring in the woods.  We finished up our great weekend with a trip to the Heidelburger in Leavenworth for some yummy hamburgers, fries and shakes.  It was such a wonderful weekend and one we won't soon forget.  I'm so grateful to have such fun, adventurous in-laws!

Our huge campground!

Gramma and the boys

Jacky and Johnathin lounging

2 peas in a pod

Roasting hot dogs over a fire for the first time!

The kids table

SMORES!!

Family dinner

Nothing quite like singing along to the guitar around the campfire

So much laughter and happiness...being in nature will do that do you

Cornhole

The family that wears grey hoodies together stays together

On another adventure!

Beautiful spot by Icicle Creek

Cooling off from the 90 degree heat in Icicle Creek

Can't wait until next year!