Back in August we got the camping bug. The kids and I had given Taber a 10 man tent for Father's day and he was dying to break it in. We decided to take it for it's maiden campout at Starved Rock State Park, about an hour and half from where we live.
We decided last minute, as usual, so there were no camping spaces available except for 2 walk in spots that were first come first serve. It was a huge gamble, but we decided to pack up everyone and everything anyway and cross our fingers we'd get a spot. The gamble paid off and we snagged the very last spot open that weekend. Boomshaklaka!! (If we hadn't gotten a spot we still would've camped out on the side of the road because I put way too much work into packing to drive back!)
The kids were so excited they were literally bouncing off the walls.
The first night we just set up camp, ate dinner then made S'Mores by the fire.
We tried to put Cam in his Pack and play but he wasn't having it. He missed his white noise machine and his crib. We didn't get much sleep that night but who really sleeps when they're camping anyway, right?;)
They still woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed
Daddy made a hearty camper's breakfast of pancakes and eggs, then it was off for some hiking!
The trails and hikes at Starved Rock are BEAUTIFUL! I didn't realize Illinois had such pretty scenery. The kids loved it!
View from one of the lookouts
When Cam got tired he rode in the backpack, which is like his favorite mode of transportation, even though he probably exceeds the weight limit because he's HUGE!
We hiked all morning but then Mommy and Cam were wiped out so Daddy and the girls dropped us off for a nap and went on exploring.
They hiked their little tails off and saw so many beautiful things!
Lots of gorgeous rock formations, canyons and caves to explore
Brinley was especially excited about the giant centipedes she found. She loves buggies!
That night Uncle Kevin and Brooklyn joined us! (Naomi and Lily were in Utah) The girls were so happy to have Brooklyn there!
Cam didn't want to sleep in the pack and play the 2nd night so we let him sleep on Teya's sleeping bag. he actually did pretty good and slept there half the night.
In the middle of the night he got cold so he crawled in the blow up bed with Mom and Dad. He has never cuddled us or slept with us like that so even though his huge head was cutting off the blood circulation in my arm, I totally let him sleep there because it was soooo cute! (Taber took this picture after we were both passed out, and even though it's not super flattering, I just love seeing me and my little snuggle bug ;)
Meanwhile Kevin decided to go all Bear Grylls and sleep outside in the open with the raccoons. Pretty sure he didn't sleep much with those guys constantly on the prowl right by his head!
The next day it was off for more adventures!
So many great hikes and trails to explore!
The trials were very well groomed and the hikes all had stairs so it made it very doable for the kids.
My cute little rangers
And the Cam man
Cave people
The girls and uncle Kev
Awesomeness!
It was a great and very full day of hiking and exploring. We ended with some yummy fudge, homemade ice cream and cinnamon almonds from the gift shop then said goodbye to Kevin and Brooklyn and made our way back home. Loved Starved Rock and will definitely be making that a yearly tradition!
3 comments:
That is so awesome! You guy are fearless taking the whole family camping. Tau and I are so afraid. I love that Kevin and Brooklyn were able to join you. And I think the cuddle with Cam picture is adorable. I love waking up to my boys big ol' heads ;)
Becca!
Thank you so much for letting me know you posted this! I used to get emails telling me when you put up a new post, but for some reason I don't get them anymore!
Anyway, I love all the pictures you took, especially the one with Cam on Taber's back sticking out his tongue. So cute!
Thanks again for taking care of the other half of my family while we were away! You are the best!
This looks like such a great camping spot! And that tent! So jealous. We still have a little tiny tent, and any time we go camping, Daniel's like, "we'll fit, no problem!" But we don't really, and the kids end up with about 5 inches of sleeping space. That 10-man looks super luxurious! (I just realized I don't know how to spell that word). Anyway, love all the camping pics - camping pictures are like swimming pictures to me - they are always awesome, no matter what. The hiking and caves look beautiful. But my favorite pic might be the one of little Cam sleeping on your arm, all cuddled up. Good job Taber for getting a picture. And good job you for taking all your little ones camping while pregnant!
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