We are busy packing for a camping trip. We haven’t gone camping as a family in a long time. Our nine year old twins are very excited. They are running around, laughing, jumping, yelling, and asking a zillion questions. I’m trying hard to keep patient. I’m also trying to remember that packing for a trip is fun for them, not a chore to be gotten through like it is for us.
Tonight we went to the store to buy camping food, supplies for s’mores, hot chocolate, cider, things for dinner and breakfast, and of course some cookies. It wouldn’t be camping without cookies. Truly, it would have been a lot more efficient for either me or my husband to go to the store by ourselves. But the kids all wanted to go and help pick out the junk food. Again, I’m trying to remember that this is part of the fun for them. We tend to rush these things as adults. We are focused on the destination, not the journey.
What’s really sweet is that our oldest son, boy scout that he is, has been advising his brothers. And he’s actually doing a good job of telling them what coats, hats, and shoes to bring. It’s amazing. He’s been helpful to his brothers, and they are listening to his advice! When did he get so knowledgeable on camping? It seems like just yesterday that I had to double check his suitcase. He used to take out all the boring things like pajamas and underwear that I’d put in and replace them with twenty stuffed animals, a few books, and some snacks in case there wasn’t any food at his grandmother’s house. As if!
I hope this trip lives up to all their expectations. For now though, it’s time to go figure out how to fit five sleeping bags and two tents in the car.
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