Surviving Camping

Last weekend, we packed up and went camping for our final trip of the year. And, boy, was it COLD! With everything going on, I was not prepared for our trip, so planning and packing was done at the last minute (and most of the camping duties were left to Mike). I managed to get our clothes, toiletries, and first aid stuff packed up, in addition to cleaning the house before we left (one pet peeve of mine is to leave the house dirty when we go on a trip...there is nothing worse than coming home after travel to a dirty, messy house!)

So, we get there WAY after our "planned" arrival time. Let's just say the sun was setting as I was checking us in (which took 20 friggin minutes because of a mixup with my BIL cancelling at the last minute). Needless to say, we were setting up camp in the DARK.

In the COLD WINDY DARKNESS.

Luckily, Mike's boy, Dallas was already there and they had their camp set up, so the guys took care of setting up our tent, while Natalie and I watched over the kids and kept warm by the fire. Oh, and did I mention that Mike forgot to pack the sleeping bags? Yeppers, we camped close to primitive style the first night! I was pretty much, pissed (mostly at myself for not having checked). Luckily, he remembered the blankets, but it was a damn cold (30 degree) night. The following night was MUCH better. Wind was gone, so it was nice. The days were gorgeous. Cool and sunny.

I'm still looking forward to our spring camping trips, and now, have learned my lesson to not procrastinate. And we're also not doing 2 day camping trip any longer. It's just not worth it for 2 nights after all that planning, shopping, packing, setting up, and then undoing all that the next day. 3 days will be our new minimum.

Who's ready to join us in the spring? Hehe...

Ethan Turns 3!

My family always enjoys spending time with the Osborns, and on Saturday, we helped Ethan celebrate his 3rd birthday at Peter Pan Mini Golf in S. Austin. This isn't your typical Putt-Putt. It's small and old, has chipped, creepy cement characters, which many have been there over 50 years. This was Sophia's first time to play mini golf. And best of all, it's BYOB at Peter Pan. All the daddies looked happy too. This place is definitely 'Austin'.

What a GREAT party!
And Happy Birthday Ethan.



























There are a few more photos on my Flickr for those Osborns who are interested.
On top right hand side of the screen, there's a slideshow button, click that to see them full size.

Sophia and Ethan

What do you think they'll think of these when they're older?
Hehe.

BSM: Serious Art

Getting someone else's name inked on your body, I think, is a HUGE deal. I don't have any tats, nor does my husband. I don't have many 'inked' friends, so when I caught a glimpse of our good friend donning a tat on his back, I quickly snapped a shot. This type of photo is not usually what I post, however, I think it's worth sharing. I don't think there's a more meaningful tattoo, than that of your child.



For more stirrings of the heart, visit Mother May I.