Camping 101

Last weekend we took Madelyn camping for the first time. Aaron and I have been camping a few times since we've been married, but we've never dared to go since we've become parents. I figured the kiddos were hard enough to take care of at my own house--I had no desire to try to supervise them for 24 hours in the wilderness.

Somehow Aaron managed to change my mind--the temptation of dutch oven peach cobbler had something to do with it--and we planned a little overnight adventure in American Fork Canyon. Alli and Cory came with us, and we left Kennedy behind with Grandma.

Each of us learned some valuable lessons essential to wilderness survival:

Cory learned that the mountains get chilly at night,
and one should always pack long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks.

Alli learned that she needs to help her husband pack his clothes.

Aaron learned that firewood burns faster
than you might think. Bring extra.

I learned that you need to bring
a can opener and nonstick cooking spray.

And Maddie learned that she LOVES camping!

Overall, we had a lot of fun despite several torrential downpours. Thanks to Papa's van, we didn't get too soaked, and we might have beat the world record in time it takes to pack up a campsite (which we had to do as soon as we woke up the next morning)! I think we all want to try it again next summer, and maybe we'll even take Kennedy next time...

Our Little Ballerina

Maddie loves her new ballet class! On the first day of class, she got to be the teacher's helper-- you can see her up front with the teacher. A lot of other girls from our neighborhood are taking dance lessons here too, but they are all in different classes. Maddie will enjoy meeting some more new friends. She's especially excited about a girl in her class named "Kennedy!"

Moms are only allowed to come the first class of every month, which I can now understand why. When I was there, the other moms were talking so loudly to each other that the kids could hardly hear their teacher! Maddie came home last week very excited to show me everything she is learning. I love that she is enjoying it so much!