Off The Grid

Not that I am that consistent with my blog posts, but I wanted to let all of you know that I will be going off the grid, so to speak, for the next week.  The boys and I are headed to our first ever camping trip sans Brandon for 5 days, and then 2 days of camping as a family.

When I was explaining my plans to a group of friends, one of them said, "You are awesome!".  I'm not sure that was quite the right word to describe what I am about to do.  I will be honest, it won't be hardcore camping as I am just going to a local camp and conference center along with several hundred other people. But I will be sleeping in a tent, with my 3 boys, cooking all my meals on a propane stove - that I'm not even sure how to use, walking quite a ways to the closest bathroom, and possibly going without a shower for several days.

I will be camped next door to a friend, and bringing my 15 year old niece along to help. So, I won't be completely on my own. But let's review what we know about my kids, shall we?

Extremely Active - check
Ridiculously Good Climbers - check
No Fear - check
Loves To Play With Fire - check, check, check

Able To Swim - um, one out of three

Listens Attentively - nope
Responds To Directions - nope
Easy to put to bed - definitely no

So, why am I doing this? I'm not 100% sure. I grew up going to Family Camp (this exact same camp actually) and I loved it. Or at least I believe I did. I have wanted to take my boys for years but was always pregnant, nursing, or dealing with potty training. This seemed like the first year that I could actually pull it off.  I know the boys will love it, at least the swimming, riding bikes, sleeping outside, and playing in the woods. I'm not so sure they will like the classes in the morning and night, but since I am calling that 'my time' they do not really have a choice!

So, for the next week, I will be offline. I am sure I will return with some stories and experiences that will need to be shared.

Until then, here is a picture of my little darlings. Don't you wish you were camping with them?