Grass stained knees

backyard campers

The big brothers have been wishing for a family camping adventure.

So we decided that it might be best to get our feet wet in the backyard first.

We gathered around our brand new fire pit to roast marshmallows.

Our resident thespian took it upon himself to entertain us with a handful of colorful "ghost stories".

Some of them got just a bit scary...

good thing this guy had his head lamp for protection.

Papa and the big brothers were all tucked in by 9:00.

Caleb decided he was not a camper after all and chose to return to his bedroom by 9:15.

Unfortunately no one checked the weather. Around about 11:00, a wicked thunderstorm arrived, which forced the rest of the campers inside for the night.

The good news is that we have a whole summer to try this adventure repeatedly until we get all the kinks out. Only then will we be venturing out into the "real" great outdoors!

keep your shoes on!

So we ran into this guy a few weeks ago at co-op.

Can you see it camouflaged so perfectly among the dry leaves. 

It was definitely alarming to actually see one in the woods rather than behind the glass at the zoo. However it was also nice to be reminded that in the 3 years that our co-op friends have been gathering in the woods, this was the very first copperhead sighting they have had. ever.

I have to be honest and say that for the remainder of the day I was the tiniest bit on edge each time the kids ran off to explore. But I do feel grateful that the kids had the opportunity to see one up close, to see just how well hidden they are. Because the knowledge of it's presence is more powerful than hearing your mother's voice repeatedly shouting "Keep your shoes on!".  

can't be contained

Look at that silly baby in his super cute diaper.

Now take a gander at what he and his brother have learned to do...

Granted it's pretty cute to see that march around the house, until you happen to step in a little warm puddle!