camp Ruger…

backyard camping was on our summer bucket list and since we’ve been blessed with relatively mild temperatures thus far, we decided july 3rd would be the perfect evening to try...and it was!

we had a great breeze, full moon, new gear and cooperative lil’ campers.

we kicked off the evening with a mad tournament of ring toss. and who knew my dollar store find would bring such animated entertainment while josh put together our home away from home.

there was a little splash pool action, and then the kiddos got their new sleeping bags (Cars and Princesses, of course). they were sooo excited to get them setup in the tent with all their blankets, pillows and flashlights, I thought they were going to go to bed right then.

but we grilled, read books, made s’mores, checked the perimeter “for critters” and then hit the sack close to 11:30pm. callie passed out immediately and drew was just excited to talk once we all laid down.

                

admittedly, I bailed and went inside to more comfortable sleeping arrangements about 2:30am, but the others made it until sunrise. what troopers!!

and yesterday (july 4th) was the most relaxing day we’ve had as a family in a LOOOONG time. we were right back outside after breakfast, played for hours and visited with grammy and aunt B. both kiddos took FOUR HOUR naps and then we were back outside in the splash pool, playing ring toss, grilling and eating watermelon.

for the grand finale, we snuggled on the front porch to enjoy our neighbor’s monstrous firework display.

truly an independence from all the stress over the last few months.

good times.