First Camping Trip... SUCCESS!

It's AUTUMN, and that is time for camping!

We had our first camping trip, Camping was a success!

I read a book once called 'Slacker Mom' which basically about

a woman who instead of showering her kids with all the gifts and toys, 

she allowed them to be bored and use their imaginations. The book really

hit home to me. I think about when I was growing up and we were

told to go outside and play, and we were not allowed to come in until lunch.

There is alot of catering to kids these days, and it is sad that most

kids do not use their imaginations anymore... I have slowly been working towards

getting back to where my kids learn to entertain themselves without needing

something to keep them busy. The book talks about going on a trip with friends

who pack a ton of toys for their kids to play with, and she didn't pack anything. She 

was assuming that the kids would play with sticks and rocks, run through the woods and 

explore the new scenery. That is what kept imagination

so fun and lively. So, on our trip I knew I wanted a few things that would be fun

to play with while using the boys imaginations.

We had three other families go with us and we made no plans other

than to just hang out, play, eat, and take walks... that is just what we did! I

was so pleased to get away from the electronics, games, and television. I was trying to 

think of all the preparations I needed to make in order to ensure

a smooth and fun trip, however I knew I didn't want any electronics to be involved. 

After reading a few blogs, I got some great ideas. I

knew I didn't want to take electronics or things to entertain the kids, mostly I wanted 

them to play outside and use their imaginations. And that is just what happened... 

The kids played outside while the adults sat around and talked while preparing meals. 

I spent way to much on food and preparing, because let's face it, who knew 

how the trip would go. I have 3 very active boys, and not all plans run smoothly. :) 

I think my 50 cent sand toys and trucks were a success too. The boys played in the 

gravel with their trucks and tractors picking up all the little gravel and dumping it elsewhere.

After taking this trip I will definitely be working on my camping

list for my camper, organizing the camper better, and getting a few

extra things to play like Frisbee, hula hoops, and balls.  

We walked down to the park and played with all the other kids, which the boys loved. 

Overall, the trip went smooth and we had a very relaxing fun 'Unplugged' time.