Unforgettable Camping Trip.

Scott had spring break the last week of April and we decided to go camping. Despite the fact that I'm 6 months pregnant, we had so much fun! It was quite the adventure and the place (Sky Meadows State Park) where we went was just breath-taking and only about an hour drive from where we live.

We were adventurous and decided to do a 'primitive' campsite...meaning we had to walk about 1.5 miles to our site, no running water, and a portable potty that was a walk away. It didn't sound too bad of a hike, and it wasn't terrible, but when you consider that I'm pregnant and couldn't carry as much, it was quite the hike getting all of our camping gear and food to the campsite!

My amazing husband was a trooper...he carried most of our stuff.

It was so worth the hike! We set our tent right by this beautiful creek.

We didn't get all of our stuff in one trip, so Scott ran back to get the rest of what we needed, while I started to make dinner for our two very hungry children.

These two LOVED roasting their own hot dogs...the only thing is that they couldn't hold still, so it was taking forever to roast...

...but they finally roasted...

...and what is camping without smores!

We enjoyed some time around the fire, until Brielle and Braden literally put themselves to bed. They were ready as soon as it got dark. They went into the tent, found their pajamas themselves, got dressed and by the time I had cleaned up dinner they were both saying 'goodnight'.

They got into their sleeping bags, played with the flashlight for a little while and then they wanted Scott to tell them stories.

They both LOVE and can't get enough of Scott's childhood stories. So, Scott told a few of his hilarious childhood stories until Brielle said,

"okay I think I'm done with the stories, good night."

It didn't take long and they were both asleep.

Scott and I talked for a little while and we both fell asleep. About an hour into slumber, I woke up to the WORST charlie horse EVER!!!!!! It was so painful and so incredibly and plainly AWFUL!!!!! Scott rubbed my foot and leg for a little bit, until it somewhat subsided and then went back to sleep. I thought I would be fine, but any time I would try to lay on my side, it would just come back!

To make matters worse, I had the WORST heartburn! I was so incredibly uncomfortable. I didn't want to wake Scott up again and I knew I couldn't walk to the car because it was a mile and a half away and it was pitch black outside! I sat in the tent, literally, just sat there rubbing my foot so the charlie horse wouldn't come back for almost 3 hours!!!!!!

After sitting there, I tried laying down again and I somewhat was able to fall back asleep...half and hour of being half asleep, half awake...(get ready, because this might be TMI for some of you!!!) :)....

I woke up with the runs!!!!!!! I literally felt so sick to my stomach, I thought I was going to pass out!

I won't go into any more details...suffice it to say that, it was one of the most horrible nights EVER!!!!

Finally around 3:30am, I was able to fall asleep.

Until about 7am, when my alarm clock (named Braden) woke up! It doesn't matter where we are he ALWAYS wakes up at 7 o'clock!

Surprisingly, the next morning I felt fine. I actually didn't feel too tired, considering the night I had experienced.

We had breakfast, hanged around the campsite for a little bit and then started packing and taking the tent down.

Braden absolutely LOVES being Scott's little helper. He is so willing to help with all the 'boy stuff'. He LOVES being a boy with his daddy...and Scott is so good with him and teaches him and encourages him. I love watching them.

The kiddos had so much fun exploring and being outside.

It was a little bit of a chilly morning, so we sat around the fire for a little bit to warm up, until we were ready to hike back to our car to drop our gear off.

Scott is so ingenious and managed to pack almost everything on his back. Whatever he couldn't get I carried and the kids tried to help but they are so little, still...anyway, I kept telling Scott that I would definitely pick him to be lost in a remote island. He is such a good boy scout!!!

This park is just one of the most beautiful places.

There was beauty every where you turned.

I love watching the interaction that Brielle and Braden have. It's one of my favorite things to witness...I love witnessing that pure love that they have for each other...Brielle is such a nurturer...Braden was having a hard time on the way back, he was having a hard time keeping up...Brielle ran over to him and said,

"Braden, hold my hand. We can walk together."

...and they walked together until they caught up to Scott and I.

It brought so much joy to my heart...the kind of joy that brings tears to ones eyes...

We finally got all of our stuff in the car and made potty stops in a "real" bathroom, with potable water!!!! Oh! the things we sometimes take for granted in this life....

We weren't quite ready to go home yet though, so we picked a trail and started hiking again!

It couldn't have been a more beautiful and perfect day for hiking! The trail that we took was an overlook trail, it was very steep to begin with and my belly was not very happy with me...it was hard as a rock! So, I took it easy, walking very slowly...

We found this bench and sat there for a while, we had some snacks and enjoyed the beautiful view.

...and of course there's always drama with my Bri bri...:) It was a pretty steep trail, I have to say and she REFUSED to keep going...but we kept encouraging her and she made it to to the top...it was all down hill after that. I think the whole trail was about 2 miles.

We saw so many butterflies and moths...and Brielle got happy again!

Remember last year, around this time, she found a caterpillar and it made a cocoon that turned into a moth? Well...she found another one this year, we brought it home and it made a cocoon...so now we are just waiting to release the moth!

We saw so many varieties of butterflies...

My sweet hubby and I!

I love this man! I love the time we get to spend together, creating memories for our family. I love the things he teaches our kids about the outdoors and I love watching Brielle and Braden absorb it all!

Being silly...they were meditating!:)

...and then there was a tick crawling on Scott. DISGUSTING! I tell Scott, that I thoroughly enjoy camping and being outside, except for the fact that I have to worry about these little nasty creatures crawling on us!

We checked for ticks as soon as we got home!

I will definitely treasure these special moments we were able to have as a family!

We had such an unforgettable time!:) I will forever remember the time when I went camping when I was 6 months pregnant!:)