Annual Camping Trip

Last weekend we went on our annual camping trip with Camden's soccer club. It is the 4th year we have gone, and our camping weekend now has become a treasured fixture in our year. We really didn't have very good weather this year (lots of rain), and we had actually gone back and fourth as to whether or not we should even go, but like Camden's old coach always said, "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad choice of clothing." So, along with everyone else, we still went and had a fun  time as always. It is only one weekend that we are away, but it literally feels like two weeks. There is something so calming about having nothing to do, except enjoy; the outdoors (even in the rain), the company of others, and watch your kids take a break from all of the distractions of life and simply be kids. There were groups of kids; playing soccer, running through the woods, playing hide and seek, tending the fire, playing war with sticks, coloring by the fire, yummy meals, roasting stick bread and marshmallows etc

The campsite....

Boys (including Camden - not pictured) playing war with sticks - no injuries :-)

Mia and her pals

Gorgeous sunset!

By the campfire

View from our tent...

playing soccer

Baking fresh bread by the fire (stockbrot)

The sky not looking too promising :-)

. All of the teams are invited (as well as the families), and it is fun to see the different teams hang out together. Even the little kids (3- 9 years old) organize their own soccer games - it is really cute. The 16 year old and older teens have there own corner too, where they set up their tents, listen to music and hang out (they always have there own little party going on, as they are allowed to drink beer here at 16), but absolutely no problems at all from that corner of the camp site. Every once in a while they make an appearance when dinner is ready or to play soccer, but they have a great time on their own. For one weekend, life is so simple, and I really cherish the memories!