First camping trip with the boys

We got to experience camping with the boys for the first time. We were too chicken before to try.

I would say that overall, it was a success. I guess as successful as camping can be, right?

Some rain + no sleep = "typical camping"

We left on Sunday and got back this morning. We drove about 50 minutes from our house and headed towards Estes Park to Camp Dick, or so we thought. 

A couple months ago we made our reservation online. 

When we arrived at the campground on Sunday, it was drizzling a little when we arrived. Since we didn't want to get caught setting up camp in the pouring rain, we hurried. 

After we got EVERYTHING up and out of the cars, one of the camp managers walked over to give us some pamphlets and to welcome us. After a short conversation, she informed us that we were in the wrong place and that Camp Dick Campground was another mile down the road. Bummer.

After checking out the other campground, we found out they could transfer our money over to this campground, Peaceful Valley, and just stay put. Thank God!! And just so you know, they told us we are one of many who make that mistake. They are aware that the signs are horrible 

and they need more.

We ended up liking our spot. We were close to the St. Vrain River and there were less people camping - at least our first night there.

 

We were close to a trail head and it was a beautiful hike. It was pretty short but it was nice for the kids. 

Like I said above, we were close to the river. We played down here a lot!! It was perfect because the place where the boys are playing in is a split off from the main (and very fast) current. So they could play, walk around, splash, and just cool off. 

 If you know me well, you would know that I could spend a lot of time down here too. I loved it. I was in the river right there with them, exploring and jumping into the deeper parts. Although it was COLD. Jamie thought it was around 35, maybe 40 degree water.?? It's run off from the mountains.

Did I mention it got pretty cold at times!? Yes, we were wearing jackets and pants in August. I think it got down to the 40's at night. We were cold, even with our sleeping bags; at least I was.  But it was so much better than it being too hot and sticky. Plus, the upside was that there were less bugs/mosquito's!

Favorite memories: campfires, s'mores, attempting to play a game in the tent while it rained - only to have the boys be restless and want to wrestle/fight, making new friends with our "neighbors", playing in the river, enjoying a hike, seeing a mother moose and her calf walk thru the campsite 2 different times, eating our weight in calories,and using a diaper to go to the bathroom in b/c I didn't walk to the bathrooms in the middle of the night. :)

I hope this is the first year of many in which we get to go camping and make more memories...