Autumn Campout

A couple weeks ago we had the pleasure of joining our friends on their annual Fall camping trip. It was a really fun getaway and it was so nice to escape the heat for two nights.






It turned out to be very cold but all five of us snuggled in our tent kept us extremely warm at night. I was concerned about getting the kids to bed at night because in the past it has been an issue but this time it was a breeze! All three of them just went in the tent and went to sleep on their own. Even Maggie! It was SO nice. I always end up in the tent for what seems like hours every time it's bedtime and not having to do that made me love camping even more than I already do.






All of Saturday was spent relaxing, eating and drinking and we also went on a small hike with all the kids.





Our car battery died Sunday morning so after we finally got the car started we had to leave it running and pack up camp early and leave. It was a bummer but I'm just happy we got it started.

This campground is where Ruben and I have gone the last two years for our anniversary and it was great to bring the kids this time and be with friends. Until next time!

♥ anne

Camping

Last weekend we went camping as a family for the first time in 2 years. It was a lot of work but we had a really good time! Camping (or going on any kind of trip) with infants and toddlers can definitely make things more difficult but we have never let that stop us from taking trips. Every time you learn something new so that the next trip can run more smoothly. For example, I forgot Shane and Marianne's tennis shoes. I know! How on earth could I forget those? I don't know, but I did. It wasn't too bad just having flip flops since we spent all our time down by the water but I can assure you I will never forget tennis shoes again.

There was no shade for Maggie so I made a makeshift umbrella for her which she thoroughly enjoyed watching as it blew in the breeze. 

Alex and Elsa are officially junior high girls!

I loved watching the kids explore in the river. It's such a different experience from the beach.

Max. He's huge. Taller than both Ruben and I now. It's pretty weird having a 15 year old son. I'm still adjusting :) He is a very good brother to all his siblings and is a cool kid, in my opinion. He has good taste in music too, he's open to listening to anything and has a wide variety of favorites.

My beautiful Al. She is such a huge help with all the kids and is crafty and fun and loves One Direction :)

Last picture here is of Nicky (and Banana) enjoying a brief moment of relaxation. I'm so thankful she and her family have camped with us all these years as our family keeps growing...and growing...and growing.

Happy Summer Solstice! I hope you all enjoy and celebrate this day of light in some special way :)

♥ anne

g e t a w a y

ruben and i celebrated our 12th anniversary on sunday. we spent the weekend camping all by ourselves! we haven't been alone for that long since before i got pregnant with marianne, so needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed our time together. it was a perfect weekend. i hope yours was just as awesome!

♥anne

a campin' we will go

this past weekend we got out for a quick camping trip up in big bear with this rad family. it was too short, but dang did we pack in some fun in just a day and two nights. let the summer adventures begin!

♥anne

p.s.-anyone else having trouble with formatting? i had the hardest time attempting to arrange these pictures. i finally gave up and just left them in the order they are in. very frustrating!