Camping 2012 | The Photos

Our second year of camping with my brother and his family and a big group of friends happened last week.

My brother John. We are 18 months apart in age. Love him.

My sister-in-law Liz. Love her.

We camp at a spot near Shelton, Washington on land my brother's company owns.

This year I really loved the fires.

Last year I ended up going to bed earlier most nights when the kids went to bed.

This year I put them to bed and headed back out to hang out with the grown-ups.

I also love that time where we transition from day to evening clothes - from swimsuits and shorts to jeans and socks and fleece jackets and hats as the temperature drops.

My cousin Rob and my brother are quite the fire-builders.

Such a beautiful spot.

Anna loved, loved, loved being there with all the other kids. From cousins to friends she was in the thick of it the entire time.

They explored and made up games and talked and talked and talked and occasionally got mad at each other and tattled.

They also ate a ton of snacks.

Love them.

This guy came dressed as Finn from Adventure Time (complete with white hat and green backpack).

Upon arrival Liz showed him that she had a copy of Swiss Family Robinson (book) and he dove right in. He might not look happy there but that was more to do with the came then reading. He's seen the movie and loved it which usually makes him that much more interested in the book.

Simon likes camping. But he also likes being at home. There's always a push and pull with him between being in a familiar routine/environment and finding/introducing new things that make him happy.

There were moments of great joy and great frustration all in the same day. I think those emotions are confusing to him too sometimes.

Great joy when he caught a fish.

Great frustration when he only caught three and didn't catch any more after that. Enough frustration that he didn't want to pick up his pole again.

He took a couple great afternoon naps on an air mattress in the shade.

And played out in the water with the other kids.

Great joy there too.

He even did a craft where he decorated a mug. Hey cool guy.

One of my best friends from high school, Dana, brought her daughter out for the day. She and Liz have become good friends.

This guy made a couple of appearances into the wee hours of the morning too.

My cousin Rob and his son Aidan - modern camping of course.

And of course there was a little of this too.

Good times. Great people. Can't wait to go again next year!

PS | In case you are wondering we left our dog Lily at home with Chris this year. Last year she got really sick while we were camping, almost didn't make it, and made an amazing recovery and has been doing fine (as fine as she can at age 12) ever since.

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44 thoughts

  1. Vera says…
    08/13/2012

    Sounds soooo much fun! I hadn't been to camp since forever!

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  2. Jessica C says…
    08/13/2012

    Gorgeous photos, family & fun! I can't wait until my girls are old enough to go camping

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  3. Rene' Sharp says…
    08/13/2012

    Absolutely LOVE this post, what lovely photos and wording. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience with us!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Kathy says…
    08/13/2012

    We love the camping and are going to get back into it this summer. It's great for the kids.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Marie says…
    08/13/2012

    Wonderful pictures! Thanks for sharing this with us.

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  6. MichelleElaine says…
    08/13/2012

    I see you got "shut the box". Such a great game!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Sue P says…
    08/13/2012

    Looks like it was a wonderful and fabulous memory making weekend. So glad the Lily is doing wonderful but I am sure she missed the great outdoors too!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Susan says…
    08/13/2012

    what fun!!! we love camping too. i've wanted to squeeze in a family camping trip this year but just haven't done it...so glad you have.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Lisa W. says…
    08/13/2012

    Ahhhhhhhhhhhh this looks blissful...the kiddo's are adorable. Thanks for sharing!!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. laura g. says…
    08/13/2012

    we were up 'camping' this weekend too! actually we have a place up in the mountains here in Oregon and most of our kids and eight of our 11 grandkids were there. we made s'mores of course! had a great time! love getting out in the mountains, smelling the fresh air and thanking God for his beautiful creations!

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  11. amberca says…
    08/13/2012

    These photos are so breathtaking! I LOVE camping! It's one of my all time favorite things to do. These memories will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  12. aliza says…
    08/13/2012

    A beautiful summary. Love seeing your photos, and how you included some of the challenges too, but always with a positive outlook.

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  13. Sue says…
    08/13/2012

    Looks like a great camping trip for the whole family!

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  14. Christine says…
    08/13/2012

    Sounds like a wonderful trip with family and friends. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Patti L says…
    08/13/2012

    Wow, looks so nice & peaceful. Awesome trip. Great pics.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Alida says…
    08/13/2012

    Wow, awesome spot! And stunning photo's! Especially love the one of you and your brother...and Anna looking so sunkissed. And the one of Simon on the water...glad you had a much beter time this year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Trina says…
    08/13/2012

    Looks like you had a fabulous time, Ali! So glad you got to get away and spend some time with family and friends!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Dori says…
    08/13/2012

    Reading this post I found myself grinning from ear to ear. Thanks, Ali. :-)

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Donna says…
    08/13/2012

    Looks like you all had a great time. We love camping, too...it's such a great family thing to do. I enjoyed looking at all your pictures!

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  20. Paula says…
    08/13/2012

    So glad you had such a wonderful week...and I can very much relate to the ups, downs, joys and frustrations with my child who also wants the life experiences but prefers to be home...you are a wonderful mom :)

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  21. slmnontec says…
    08/13/2012

    Conjures up lots of happy memories of our camping trips.
    Time goes by so fast. Those days are over for us already...

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Kim Borcoman says…
    08/13/2012

    your kids will treasure these trips. you are an amazing mom, Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Jesa says…
    08/13/2012

    Enjoyed both your pictures and notes. What a lovely time camping, there is no doubt you enjoyed it!

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  24. Debbie Piercey says…
    08/13/2012

    Looks like an amazing time! Loved your photos! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Leanne in CA says…
    08/13/2012

    Great post Ali! Looks like so much fun and relaxation. Nice to see so many smiles. Have a great week!!

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