First camping trip

Not only was this Micah's first camping trip, but it was his cousins' first trip too! We didn't know it until afterwards, but Zack and Tyler had never been camping.  If we had known, we would've tried to make it a lot more special.  In any case, they all had a great time and the other Ray boys even caught a fish with their dad!

Zack & Tyler, learning how to cast

Fischer teaching the boys how to cast.

We returned to Lake Hemet this year, and even got the same camping spot as last year! We left very excited for a fun weekend, but it was much harder than we expected. I even thought we were prepared for Micah's running, bringing the pack 'n play for the times we couldn't watch him like a hawk, but it sufficeth to say we were not prepared in the least. I felt like the world's worst mother at one point, put him in the pack 'n play, sat by his side, and didn't move for a very long time. I'll spare the details for fear of embarrassment and judgment.

I'm sure it's hard enough to have a child who's a runner.  But to have one who was also an orphan for three years adds to the dynamics.  For three years, he had the same schedule, the same routine, the same route he could walk, play, and wander.  For the past two months, he has been in several new situations that catch his eye to explore.  This campground proved to be his best footprint yet! 

It was a learning experience to say the least. When we'd lather the girls up with sunscreen and let them go, they stayed together in the playground next to our camp... they had the knowledge to stay near us as well. If I took my eyes off of them for a second, I didn't have to worry they'd wander. With Micah, he just doesn't know.  He was taught to stay with the pack he knew his whole life, but he's still learning who we are. He was taught to go in the same circle for three years, but this was a new place with no paths, just dirt! AND HE'S FAST!!!!!!!!!!

 

Our curious explorer.

 

Overall, it was the most difficult camping trip I've ever been on, even with three adults and a teenager to help watch over the flock of six littles. The littles had a lot more fun than we did. I left a night early with Chloe, Micah, and Annie.  The rest got to fish, make s'mores, and finish the weekend in style. I'm not looking forward to going back any time soon.  And that's just the plain truth.  We might even sell our tent trailer!