camping

Mike and the other second grade teacher, Shawn, took their students camping again this year and this time the kids and I tagged along. Oh, and Diesel too! It was a blast! Some of you might think they (we) are crazy for taking 30 2nd graders TENT camping, but it truely was an amazing experience. Plus we had more than enough parent volunteers along too. We took the kids to Mashamoquet State Park in CT. (Another new state for Teagan!)
I say it was an amazing experience because, in addition to the fact that I personally love camping, it was such a great feeling to see the excitment and wonder on the kids faces. And the parents too for that matter. Many of them had never roasted a marshmellow before, or taken a hike, swam in a pond, and definitely never slept in a tent or even outside ever in their lives. We all had a great time. Teagan was the happy baby she always is, ready for anything, and Owen loved having so many "big kids" to play with.

After the hour long bus ride, [we drove our car thank goodness], we gave the kids a chance to run around and play before we went hiking and set everything up. You can see Owen having no problem getting into the mix of things. He followed along whenever the kids were doing things and would sit and listen to the directions and interact just as if he thought he was part of their class. It was adorable to watch and gave us a little glimpse into the future.

Owen and one of his little girlfriends.


Mike showing the kids how the water pump works and teaching them about the underground water source.


Then it was time for a short hike to a nearby pond for some swimming, or wading actually.




The kids enjoyed cooling off a bit and finding tadpoles. Diesel wasn't allowed by the pond, so Teagan and I stayed back a little with him in this beautiful grassy area by the stream. I wish I had a picture of it, but Mike took my camera to the pond with him. It was so nice though to have some quiet time with her. I spread out my wrap that I use for her, that is really like a big sheet, and we just layed there smiling and "talking" as we listened to the nearby water rushing and the sound of the kids off in the distance. I was so thankful for that time together.





Mike, Shawn, and Kate (a kindergarten aid who goes with them every year)


The whole gang!

Owen and some friends in the "kitchen" having a snack after the hike.

Time to set up!

I brought along Teagan's sun tent for her to hang out in and stretch while we did various things. She was so happy to just sit there by herself and play. She really is a very easy baby. I had no problem leaving her alone to go help set up other tents.

Every once in awhile I would look over and there would be little groups of kids playing with her and talking to her.

Even the boys loved playing with Teagan and her tent.

Owen loved the HOUSE tent.


Diesel was very funny. As soon as Mike set up our tent he went and layed down outside of it, as if to say this is mine now leave me alone. I think he had a fun time too, but needed a break from all the attention every so often. He also followed me everywhere and showed his true mama's boy personality. I love my dog!

Time for dinner! The kids thought it was awesome that they had to find a stick to "cook" their dinner with. Who doesn't love hotdogs and beans over an open fire?!


I thought Owen was going to pass out while roasting his hotdog, but then some smores gave him a second wind. Look at his eyes though in this picture. It was hilarious.

Lately when I tell Owen to smile for pictures, this is the face I get. You gotta love the Big O.

Owen and one of his girlfriends, Carly.

I'm not kidding when I mention things my mom has saved over the years, but I do have to admit that I use them. Below are some pics of Teagan in a baby sleeping bag that was mine. Thanks Nana!




Time for a second round of smores!


Mike was so proud of his "perfect" marshmellow.


No camping trip is complete without ghost stories around the fire!

Towards the end of the day it was hard to see which one was Owen. He just blended in with all the students.

The next day it was time for some more hiking. This hike was going to be at least five miles, so some of the students stayed back including me and the kids since neither Mike nor I wanted to end up carrying Owen. He was a little upset in the beginning, but then had too much fun playing to even notice that the others had gone.

Here are some of the hikers at the Wolf's Den.

Then it was time to pack up... in the rain! Good times!

Back to school to unload. Did I mention it was raining?!

Thank you so much Highlander for letting us tag along. It was another fun adventure that we are sure to talk about for years to come. Owen at least hasn't stopped talking about it yet!