Camping at Jim Creek

This last weekend we took the kids camping with two friends of mine and their families. Just imagine 3 couples with a total of 6 kids from ages 3 months - 3 years. Let's just say there was never a dull moment! One of my friends, Jenn, her husband is in the Navy so we were able to stay at Jim Creek which is only available to military personal past and present and I think reserves as well.
We were all worried, I think, as to what the weather was going to be like since it had been raining almost non stop prior to this weekend. It turned out very well for us and really didn't rain a whole lot, with a little Friday night and some Sunday morning. Saturday we lucked out and it was a beautiful day.

Instead of tenting it we all stayed in the cabins there. They were so cool. They had what I call a front room with a futon and a wood burning stove and the bedroom had a full size bed with bunk beds. It also had electricity, a porch swing and fire pit. Cory and I really enjoyed it and were wishing we had some property somewhere where we could put one.

Friday when we got up there and got settled Jenn cooked dinner, we all took charge of one meal while there, and she made hamburgers. After that we had the kids make smores which is a camping must and they all had a great time. I was wondering if Alyssa was going to like it because she isn't a huge fan of marshmallow. She preferred the chocolate I think and just getting dirty! I felt bad because I had taken a marshmallow out of the fire and told Alyssa to bite it not thinking that the roaster/poker would be hot. It was and she got burned but nothing to make too big of a deal about. Oops! I had found these "huge" marshmallow's at the store so I got them thinking they would be fun. In reality though they really sucked to use making smores. They were just way to big and made a huge mess. There were these water faucetts that the kids were playing with and Alyssa was just soaked and to make matters worse she kept drinking water and spilling it all over herself. After awhile I went and changed her and felt horrible because she was freeezing! Oh well, I don't think she minded too much!
We hung out around the big fire pit for awhile and than we all called it a night. It was great because the cabins were set in a cull de sac setting with in the middle a play ground, several picnic tables with a cover and huge grill, and a large fire pit. The play ground was a huge hit and it was so nice just to let the kids run around and not to have to worry about them too much.

Saturday morning Cory cooked breakfast for everyone and after that everyone had decided to go for a hike. I was excited to go but ended up staying behind because Knox was getting fed and Alyssa was pretty cranky from not getting enough sleep and I knew I would end up carrying her or listening to her whine the whole time. We stayed behind and she just ran around playing and it was a lot of fun just watching her explore. Later that day after naps we headed up to the lake. Everyone rented a canoe and went out but we decided with Knox it probably wouldn't work out to well. It was fun watching everyone and the others that were fishing from the dock. By the time we got back and played around a little the others returned and we started up dinner. I was already exhausted from the sun and was really ready for bed. After dinner Jenn had got all the kids glow sticks that they just loved and were running around with them. Alyssa loved hers and wanted to wear it to bed but I was the bad parent again and made her take it off. We all hung out until around 10 or so and than called it a night.

We were up and packed up early the next morning and were home by nine or so. I will say it was only 30 minutes or so from the house. All and all everyone had a good time and were in good spirits.
It kind of made me laugh because everyone was so surprised that I would take Knox with us, being so young. I think the real hands of goes to Becky who has a one year old who isn't walking yet. I personally think that would be hard but she did a great job and he is such an adorable little boy. I think it was a great crew to be with and enjoy time and memories together.