Camping trip

We set off on our last hurrah for the summer to Lake Del Valle. We camped for two nights and had a great time! Our site was pretty much perfect. It was huge, flat, shaded, and up on a ridge that overlooked more of the park.

That first night we made ourselves campfire pizza sandwiches. It was a big hit. Everyone got to make their own and cook it over the fire. We also had plenty of smore's. The kids performed "magic shows" for us in the dark with their glow sticks.

The next morning we made breakfast and then went for a hike before it got too hot. We only went about a mile and a half, but there was a bit of elevation. We had really great views of the lake. I'm sorry I didn't take many pictures.

After hiking, we headed back to camp for lunch. The kids rode bikes, we relaxed, played games, and then we headed down to the water to swim. The water was actually really nice. We all got in. There is a nice swimming area complete with lifeguards. 

After swimming, it was back to camp for dinner prep and hanging out. I had brought all of the kids's bikes with us hoping that Neil would be inspired to try to ride. We had taken off his training wheels a few weeks back and tried, but he didn't want anything to do with it. We ended up not putting the wheels back on and just brought the bike along... just in case. Sure enough on that second day he asked if he could go ride. I helped him get started, and he just did it! We were both pretty excited. I ended up running the camp loop probably 5 times as I ran alongside him. The only thing he needs a lot more practice with is braking. He hasn't quite figured that part out. But, it's a great start for sure!!

We made tinfoil dinners that night and cooked them in the coals. They turned out delicious and the yellow jackets thought so too. 

After dinner, the kids rode bikes a bunch since Neil could now ride. Unfortunately, Grace tried to avoid him and fell pretty bad on the pavement. She bruised up her hip and skinned her knees and elbow. Poor girl. She was a trooper though.

That night we went to the ranger talk about mammals. I always love going to those programs since I usually learn something new. This time I learned that it was the beginning of tarantula mating season, so there could be male spiders just out walking around. A few people there had seen one. I really didn't want to know about that. Yikes!

Back at camp it was more glow sticks, fire, and smores. We all went to bed pretty exhausted that night. 

The next day we made breakfast, packed up our site and then headed to the lake. First we watched the rangers feed a mouse to their pet snake. Then we headed to the swimming beach for one last swim. 

We all had a really great time. It was good to get home around lunch time and spend the rest of the day getting ready for school the next morning. Can't wait to camp again!