camping at the beach...
When I posted on Friday about how I was planning to "kick back" this weekend, I had completely forgotten about our family camping trip at our nearby Grayton Beach State Park that husband had planned months ago. These are the types of conundrums a girly girl regularly finds herself in when she marries a hard core outdoors-man who's hiked mountains, traveled abroad and camped in Alaska for weeks at a time. I've mentioned before my thoughts on camping here.
SO WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO?
I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and prepared to follow this man on our camping adventure. And believe me, with four kids, everything is an adventure.
Despite the fact that it was 78 degrees the day before, the weather at night was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G. Our campfire helped keep us warm and dinner consisted of hot dogs and baked beans cooked on the camp fire by the offspring, mac-n-cheese and fresh cherries. I know the cherries are random, but I had to throw in something healthy to offset those nitrates and preservatives.
For dessert we had the BEST smores in town. Big fat marshmallows squooshed in between Godiva chocolate nibbles and graham crackers. Mmmm Mmmm.
After shivering through a gorgeous sunset, the youngest of offspring were crying to go home and curl up in their warm bed. So I packed up the smallest three and headed for our nest. Eldest and husband dropped us off and headed back to campsite for the rest of the night. They tell me they had about a 42 degree night.
The next day while two of my leading men cooked their breakfast over a new camp fire and later went fishing, I was feeding the young ones back at home. Ahhh, a coffee maker and fireplace are such luxuries on a chilly morning. Shortly after breakfast, we drove over to the campsite and brought our Alpha-males a picnic lunch. We even brought along ingredients for home made hot chocolate. First time I've ever made hot chocolate over a camp fire. Delish.
I was amazed at how much fun we all had. Funny how when your children are not suffering from frost bite, they actually enjoy themselves.
This was one of our best family days ever.
I think because everything was so simple and we had no distractions. Only nature and each other. A clever combination. There's something so pure and calming about nature. And about escaping [even if it's just one mile away] without bringing toys, tv's, phones, or lap tops. Even though the kids had nothing to "play" with, they had a blast. They were forced to use their imagination and appreciate the beauty all around them. We had no sibling arguments. Such delight.
The eldest was our Master of Fire.
Yes, I match my girls here. Have I become one of "those moms?" Certainly not. But when your sweet daughter agrees to shop at Crewcuts [hello, we have an outlet here] and she sees that she can match you, how ever do you say no?!!? She's always thrilled to pieces when we wear our green sweatshirts together.
fishing + clowning
Our nature walks were so beautiful. Look at this red treasure I found glowing in the sun.
The camp site is right on the water, which is a rare coastal dune lake. This is the same lake that's in our neighborhood.
stunning + sweet
The girls gathered acorns for at least an hour and loved every minute.
It was freezing outside but my husband was fishing barefoot. Wait,are those jazz hands?
Happy.
I guess I learned that this city girl loves camping with her fam. Before leaving, I shocked my husband and picked out two potential sites for our next outdoor adventure. We're looking at dates. I can't wait!
Your family is gorgeous!
Posted by: Style&Grace | November 16, 2008 at 09:57 PM
OK that is the cutest and most admirable family outing ever! I was actually under shock and feeling like a serious underachiever of a mother until I read that you took little ones home... at least your still human!:-) Love the matching green jackets and thanks for the monday morning inspiration. Good proof that less really can be more!
Posted by: villapacis@blogspot.com | November 16, 2008 at 11:36 PM
I've always thought I was anti-camping, but I forgot about the smores - yum! Such a cute post.
Posted by: StacyP | November 17, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Great way to enjoy a southern fall weekend. Proud of you!
Posted by: Dianne | November 17, 2008 at 04:13 AM
Your camping excursion looked like it was super fun. Homemade hot chocolate for breakfast, mmmm. What a great family weekend, I need to get more creative with that.
Posted by: Sarah's Fab Day | November 17, 2008 at 06:10 AM
room service, please!
but - your photos make camping look so glamourous!
Posted by: pve design | November 17, 2008 at 07:16 AM
You have such a beautiful family and you just made a great memory. My grown sons still talk about our many camping trips with friends and families. It is a lot of work for Mom and Dad but back then it seemed worth it .But, now not so much, give me a nice Hotel with room service and dining out and a spa. I've come a long way Baby!smiles Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | November 17, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Looks like you guys had a blast! Love the matching hoodies and jeans!
Posted by: DecorPad | November 17, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Wow! You almost make THIS city girl want to go camping. Your family is so beautiful. I love you and the girls in your matching sweaters. This is something to treasure.
Posted by: Kwana | November 17, 2008 at 02:09 PM
What a sweet post! You guys are so adorable. Love the matching tops!
Posted by: Catherine at Design Editor | November 17, 2008 at 03:18 PM
You actually made camping look fun. I can't believe you picked the coldest day of the year though. As Floridians we don't know what it is to really be cold anymore. Isn't it funny how it is soooooo cold when it gets into the 40's. I guess when it is coming from the 90's, it is a bit of a shock! The matchy thing is acceptable since it is from the ever loving "JCrack".
Posted by: jae | November 17, 2008 at 04:38 PM
I love the camping photos - looks like a blast. We love to camp. We have been DYING to take the kids camping at Grayton, but never seem to find a date open. I will try again though - I am totally re inspired. Thank you for that. I am so happy that you are a "happy camper".
Posted by: Ali | November 17, 2008 at 04:49 PM
LOVE this post! LOVE your family! (miss you a lot) The pictures of the girls are so precious! You all look great in your matching sweaters! Booking my next camping trip now!
Posted by: Stacey | November 17, 2008 at 06:41 PM
This post was so stinking cute. And I love the jazz hands most of all. I hope he caught something after nearly freezing barefooted and dancing with his pole!
Your kids are so beautiful and it looks like such a nice weekend!
Posted by: Courtney | November 18, 2008 at 05:42 AM
ooh - what an ugly bunch of kids - whose are they??! hahahah!!! actually - those are four of the most beautiful children I have ever seen - they ALL have blue eyes????? wow!! you need to put them in the movies, or modeling or something - they are too precious not to share with the world. If those 4 were mine - I'd be staring at them all day long in admiration - (which I'm sure you do!) Really, really great post! I loved this so much!!! I want to go camping with y'all next time!!
Posted by: Joni Webb | November 18, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Oh my! I loved reading about your camping adventure!!! Makes me want to head to Grayton beach right now! Sam and Mike went camping last weekend... must have been the official "outdoor weekend!" Love the simplicity and beauty of it. Thanks for such a fun, inspiring post!!
Posted by: Tricia | November 19, 2008 at 08:27 PM
First of all, your fam is gorgeous!
Looks like you all had a great time. I recently had a weekend getaway camping with my husband and in laws. I am such the city girl, but I was actually surprised with how great it turned out to be.
Posted by: Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall | November 20, 2008 at 08:02 PM