The Joy of the Campground

Well, we survived. Thank goodness, because I never did get my house clean!

We had a good time. Or rather, Derick had a good time. The kids had a good time. I had a time wrangling the baby, keeping everyone fed, watered and sunscreened, being the sand police, and occasionally dipping my toes in the lake.

This campground is a place Derick and his family frequented while he was growing up. It was a very nostalgic experience for him to be back there now with his own children. He very much enjoyed himself and I am determined not to rob him of his joy in this experience. So what I am about to say must remain a secret. *Shhhh*

Let's just say that I learned something new about myself this weekend. Although I love camping, I am really not good campground material.

We chose to rent a cabin on the beach because tent camping with the baby just wasn't something we wanted to tackle. We paid a small fortune for a cabin that has, for lack of a better description, seen its better days. Duct tape on holes in the shower stall, a beat up and stained old couch and carpet that made me shudder when Anna crawled across it. No extra toilet paper, no soap, no towels. It even had a smell all of its very own. Ew.

We laughed at the people camping around us. One man pulled his big fifth wheel camper into the spot right next to our front door. (Yeah, I could pretty much spit in either direction and hit somebody's digs) He finished cranking out the little bay window eating area, then stuck a little dragonfly yard decoration into the ground outside the front door. He was wrestling with a big pole on the end of the camper- turns out it was for a huge American flag with a Nascar flag right underneath it. He grinned at us as he cracked open his beer and said, "Now this is camping." All of this while his wife stood by the campfire and yammered on her cell phone! Um... yeah.

Derick enjoyed the memories of his childhood. I felt claustrophobic with all the people around. And every single one of them had some type of alcoholic beverage permanently attached to their hand! Even while swimming! Yep- yet another place I just don't fit in. ;)

On a more positive note, the beach was amazing. The lake was wonderful. The canoe rides were peaceful. The kids had a great time. We were all together and making memories. That's what it's all about, really. And the next time Derick grins his goofy grin and says, "Wasn't that Fun?" I will just smile and nod and say, "Yes dear." ;)



We couldn't tear Samantha away from her fishing...



We really need to get out in the canoe more often...


Will the Packers be ready for a woman quarterback?


Playing baseball- or is it stickball?- on that amazing beach...


This kept her occupied for all of three minutes...
Have a good one everybody!! ;)