Family Camping

Our annual Port Burwell vacation has come and gone. We faced and embraced this year with a bit of fear and trepidation after last year's soggy experience . . . but the weather forecast was looking pretty good as we packed and set out. But the sunshine did NOT last. As I was setting up the tent trailer, I heard rumblings though the skies were still blue and sunny. Well, mid tent set up for Ken and Beth, and as MaryBeth and Carrie pulled in with their loads, it let loose. It poured. Lovely. I left to go pick up Jonathan and take Kade to soccer so I missed out on most of it, but they got to finish setting up (waiting for puddles to dry) and got to prepare supper in that fantastic start to the camping adventure.

Here is Kylie and Summer braving the rain beneath the umbrella.

The night cleared up nicely and we really didn't get much rain the rest of the weekend (two short showers which were followed by sunshine quickly, and a big downpour throughout the night on our last night) So, not bad. We got three full beachdays. It was great.

Kylie was having a "moment" and had to spend sometime in the trailer. She decided she might as well do her makeup while she passed the time.

This is Summer and Kylie at the park - yes at the park. Not at the beach. Don't ask. Let's just say they love changing . . . and bathing suits were a favourite to wear.
This is after one of those changes. They spent a fair amount of time in our trailer going through the clothes and finding new things to wear. Goofy girls.
Relaxing at Mom and Dad's campsite.
This little girl probably has callouses on her knees after this weekend. She never seemed to flinch, just crawled across sand, gravel, road . . . whatever she came across - though you will notice that she at least put her croc on her hand to help her cause:)
Ella Bella. What an easy child. She is just pure pleasure. She always has a smile (despite the mosquito attacks) and just rolls with whatever is tossed her way. (brother included)
Bubbles!! The kids had lots of fun blowing and popping bubbles.

Saige hanging out in the stroller.

Meika is a big help with the younger kids - occupying them and taking them for rides.

Tim digging in the dirt.

Jeremy, Kade and Kylie.

Meika taking Kade for a ride on her bike.

This picture cracks me up, but I think it is so cute. What a goofy little girl:) She enjoyed the beach and sand and even the water.

The boys rented a seadoo for the day - we actually ended up getting it for 4 hours on Friday and 4 hours on Saturday, since it got pretty choppy out on Friday. What a lot of fun!

Opa taking Kade for a ride.

Kade loved it. Kevin did not so much. But Kevin rode with Jonathan - and I think I may not have liked it so much then either;) Both MaryBeth and Beth went for rides with their hubbies and could hardly breathe b/c of the riding style they got to enjoy. So maybe Kevin does have an excuse:)

The boys did some water skiing as well when it was calm enough.

I'm pretty sure this is me on my turn (Kade in front, Jonathan behind). I kept control of the controls except when Kade butted in.

We also got towed behind the seadoo on this thing. Here is Kevin and Kade taking a turn.

MaryBeth and I took a turn as well with Richard as the driver. His mentality is "it's no fun if you don't fall off", so yes we fell off. And yes it was a blast - though the ride was a bit long (our hands got sore from hanging on for dear life for most of the ride . . .and you do bounce around quite a bit). But it was a blast!
Landon, Kylie and Summer enjoying the water.

Mare and Hunter catching some sun.

Landon and Hunter throwing sand into the lake . . .over and over and over and laughing every time. Cute.

Enjoying apples.

. . . and posing for pictures.

Hunter and his "cow" giraffe. He played so nicely with it.

This came in on the waves - actually Jonathan had to swim out for it, but it was a good bonus for Kevin's birthday.

Chillin' at the beach.

Kevin getting ready to jump waves.

Kade and Kev having fun with their floaties in the waves.

Ken made the kids crowns which they wore so proudly!

Kade was definitely the CHIEF!

Bouncing on the tube.

The guys went down to the beach three evenings and had some serious (or not so serious;)volleyball games.

It was a great vacation. Things went well. Kids were excellent for the most part - and as a result there is talk that we will have to make it a little longer next year - a full week???!!!!

We are thankful for our family and the blessing they are. It is a real privilege to spend times like this all together. And now we get ready for the next/last one. Bittersweet:)