Camping Pictures!!!

We've returned from a great week of camping with our friends the Mersmans.  Debbie and I met in college and have been friends ever since.  She is one of those amazing people that God puts in your life who transcends the decades.  Now our hubbies get along and our kids do as well.  It was a great match for our first week of camping together.

We tried out a new campground (for us) and loved it!  We've put in our reservations for Cranhill Ranch for next year already.

Feel free to enjoy our pictures!

Gotta get those sweet moments when they happen.

"Do you smell something?"  Gary figured out that our stove was leaking gas.  He was off to Menards and had it fixed by lunch.  Next project--pull out the whole stove and add more counter space.

One of the most common views of the boys.  This is the frog/turtle pond where they spent HOURS catching critters.  We could see them from our campsite.  Bonus.

Melty beads.  Melty beads.  Melty beads.

Besides the pond, this big dune was the hit of the week.  They made all kinds of awesome things.

I put this in only to show my embarrassment about it.  Shanda: do not wear those pajama pants.  Make pancakes in something else please.

All. By. Himself.

Look at that girl doing stand up paddle boarding!

What an injury.

Garrison caught "Pickles" the frog on the first day.  The frog and turtle races were three days later.  He played with Pickles, fed him, loved him and eagerly waited for the race.  Race day came and off went Garrison.   He missed the race because he was busy practicing.  We had our own race at the campsite and then Garrison felt like he could say good-bye.

Smore time!

Not exactly the way to eat a corn dog, but it works.

Oh so tired.

This is a huge tadpole!  Good job Garrison.

Noel was in the sack race during the rodeo.

The spectators.

Garrison had to ride this horse and keep a cup of water over his head.

The final event was the tug of war.  Garrison and Noel gave it all they had.

Snapping turtle!  We didn't keep him in the bucket by our campsite.

Shanda goes for a ride on Mortimer.  It was great!

This girl--she can't eat pudding!

Noel painted her bag and her arms.

She did it herself!

Happy 8th Birthday Garrison!

That is the smile I love. 

Before we left, Simon quick caught a snake.  Good work!