Memorial Day weekend we headed up to my parents to sort of camp on the lake with the Clums and the Cranes. I say “sort of” camp because we did end up spending some time indoors due to mother nature. Thank goodness Mom and Dad didn’t mind having nine children running around their house.
Day One
We set up camp Friday evening. We were there about 2 minutes before neighbors began flocking over to help. My friends instantly realized where I get my neighborliness from. My parents are as blessed with great neighbors as James and I are. Not only did they help us set up camp, they let us invade their beaches, use their toys and one of them rescued us from wildlife. 
Of course, the girls made sure everything was up to standards. 
Looks like a serious planning session is taking place. 
“Mr. James, are you sure this is right?” 
Jesse (another neighbor) wanted to come be a part of the fun. 
Hang on Olivia. 
Hmm, I wonder if aunt Kami is settling a dispute? 
Finally everyone settled into their tents for the night. Well, almost everyone. I graciously took one for the team and slept inside with the babies. Anything for my friends. Not long after everyone was settled, I heard a big boom. About thirty seconds later, three little girls come running inside, just before the torrential downpour. Thank goodness Mom and Dad have a pull-out couch. We nestled three little girls in and Caroline stretched out in Papa’s chair. I came out in the morning to find her sleeping across the bottom of the bed. She really did take one for team. The boys roughed it in the elements.
Day Two
After waking, we quickly took advantage of the sun and headed outdoors. The Cranes arrived and set up their camp. The Smiths weren’t up for camping since Cameron was preaching on Sunday, but she and the boys joined us for the day. We spent the morning enjoying Lake Murray.
This guy decided to join our party. He came swimming by and wasn’t a bit scared of us. Allan tried to shoo him off with a paddle, but he came right back at us hissing. Finally Sherri (Mom and Dad’s neighbor) came over armed with a shovel, elbowed Allan out of the way and chopped off the snake’s head. 
It is a good thing we enjoyed the morning outdoors, because afternoon storms rolled in and we once again were forced to go indoors. The kids didn’t seem to mind. They enjoyed coloring, watching a movie, and playing with Hess trucks all afternoon. They were fantastic and you never would have guessed that we had nine kiddos in my parents’ house all afternoon.
Porter quickly fell in love with my dad. He was fascinated with all of his cool electronic gadgets. 
Olivia has no clue she’s only one. 
Raining or not, these kids (and Papa) wanted to go fishing. Bailey, the oldest, caught a big catfish and Olivia, the youngest, caught a tiny white fish.
Porter, once again, taking a ride with Papa.
Day Three
After a breakfast that would make Cameron proud, we enjoyed more boating and swimming before packing up camp.
Camp Cothran from the water. This is definitely my kind of camping.
1 comment:
That looks like a camping dream! I'm glad you all had such a fabulous time. That's what great memories are made of!!!!
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