Campin' ot in da backyawd

I was an infant the first time my parents took me camping. I'm told I got Chicken Pox, vomited all over the clothes they brought for me, and kept them up all night.

Not sure if it's that story alone, but for some reason, Andrew and I have been gun shy about camping with babies. Or...maybe we're just smarter.

Regardless, we finally came to terms with the fact that our camping days were put on hold when I got pregnant with Hailey. Between pregnancy, babyhood, some very busy weekends, more pregnancy, and more babyhood, it just hasn't happened in a long time, and won't for a bit more. But. Hailey wanted to go camping!!! So, last weekend, we pitched the tent in the backyard, and introduced her to the great outdoors...with indoor plumbing of course.

First, I enjoyed the time to get some nice pictures of the beauties while Daddy got down and dirty setting things up.

Behold: Beauty with Duck...
Beauty with Roses...
Beauties going crazy in the empty tent...
...more...
...beauties in awe of each other...
...and beauties in love.
After a cookout, I put Keelyn to bed, and Drew built a fire for marshmallow roasting.
And we cozied up by the fire.
Then, we forced Hailey to try a s'more. She despises marshmallows because apparently we forgot to throw that gene in when we made her. You know, the one that allows all children to enjoy anything with sugar? Can't you tell how much she loved it? Don't worry, it didn't go to waste. I ate enough to make up for her share (and Keelyn's), while Hailey devoured plain chocolate like a camel on water in the desert.
Then, it was off to set up bunk...
...and say nite-nite to Mommy, because there was some serious reading to get to.
I slept in the house, of course, as Keelyn was in her crib, but I could see the tent from my bedroom, and I watched as the flashlights danced around the ceiling, and Hailey and her daddy enjoyed some time. It was weird, as it was the first night I've ever slept without Hailey in earshot. Even though she was right there in the yard, and safe with her daddy, I missed her. And if you're wondering whether or not I missed the big guy who lies beside me snoring and stealing the covers...yeah, I guess I kinda did. But Hailey had a blast, and now she's fully prepared to take this to the woods sometime soon, when Keelyn gets old enough to enjoy it too.