Camping Out

We did our first backyard camp out last night! We only have a little kiddy size tent that Tim set up outside. The plan was for Tim to camp out with the girls all night, but there wasn't room in the tent for me (oh, too bad!!)

We started with the traditional smores, but roasted the marshmallows the non-traditional way (microwave). They still taste great, even if we don't have a campfire to enjoy them by.

The girls got their jammies on and went out to the tent at about 8:30 pm. Tim brought lots of books out for them to read, and also lots of candy (that was not mom approved!), as well as his cell phone to call me when the girls got tired of camping out and I needed to rescue them!!

Well, the call came at about 9:45 to get Emma. She was too busy goofing around and wouldn't let anyone else sleep. (who? Emma??) So I brought her in the house and put her in her own bed.

At about 2:30 am, I woke up to hear Tim carrying Lindsay in to her own bed and him climbing into bed. He said she was really happy to be in her own bed! (that's my Lindsay girl!)

We didn't have super high expectations about camping out for the first time, but we all had fun! Maybe next time camping out will last more than 6 hours!

July 4th Weekend

Tim and I consider ourselves patriotic citizens. We're so thankful to live in the US!! We try not to take for granted all the freedom we enjoy. So many Americans have fought for our freedom and have died fighting for it. We really enjoyed celebrating the 232nd birthday of our country this past weekend. Of course, our celebrating involved lots of food, family, friends, and fireworks!!

On Friday the 4th, we went to Pappy & Grandma's house for a cook-out and to get wet in their creek. The girls love to feed the ducks that live in the creek and wander through their yard. Emma enjoys sitting with Grandma in the swing by the creek.

Tim took some time to relax in the quiet water and go fishing. It's so beautiful to hear just the sounds of the water, the birds and other little wildlife that live there.

Pappy took Lindsay and Emma for a ride in their rafts. The creek is only 12-18 inches deep right now, so the girls also enjoyed walking in the water and looking for shells.

Saturday we enjoyed another cook-out with several friends in the area, and also friends that are visiting from South Carolina. We all feasted on steak, chicken, and lots of sides, then finished off with delicious cake, ice cream, brownies, and cookies. We're still full two days later!! We sat and chatted around a camp fire set up on a ridge that overlooks miles of farmland. The view of the sunset was breathtaking! I'm sorry I didn't bring the camera! The kids ran around with sparklers having a great time. We're thankful for the time we could spend with wonderful friends!

Sunday evening, we couldn't miss out on the fireworks to end the long weekend. A group of church friends gathered in Lancaster to watch the fireworks over Long's Park.

Lindsay with her friends Gracie and Hannah, waiting for it to get dark and for the fireworks to start.

A very patient group of kiddos waiting for fireworks to begin. Thank you to those of you who brought extra snacks and shared with my girls!!

Heart shaped fireworks!! Is this new? I've never seen these before!