S'mores fireside

  Spring is slowly approaching which means the family and I can spend more time outside warm and comfortable.  We spend our time hiking, biking, boating and spending some quality time at the beach.  We even go camping a few times over the summer.

  I recently read that March is National Craft month and I wanted to jump in on the fun.  Although I didn't make this craft up it was fun to make and will get the kids extra excited for our future camping.

  What a fun craft to have the kids make for f is for fire, c is for camping, m is for marshmallows.  So many ways to fit it in to your craft line up or just because it's cute, easy and fun!

 Find the full directions here.

A day at the Park

  Last year I visited a park where I saw a challenge to visit 5 parks to receive a annual pass to visit all the state parks.  I had so much fun at one park I wanted in on this challenge.  At my first park we went initially for fishing but then found our self exploring the park. I had no idea that one place could hold so many possibilities and beauty.  That day after our fishing, we took a hike on a trail and ventured down by the water and was met with more beauty.  This all started me wanting more.

  After the first 5 state park visits I did submit for my pass.  I received it shortly thereafter and a parking pass as well. That was all I needed to encourage me to see more.  After that I visited a couple parks here and there and just recently visited a few more this past weekend.  In case you thought state parks were boring, or there was nothing to see behold the beauty of nature!

    Parks have a variety to offer you no matter the season.  Snow sometimes adds a compliment to an already beautiful scene.  Catch a sunrise or sunset.  Most parks are open dawn till dusk.

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/

Camping

  A few weeks ago my family went camping.  We choose a Jellystone theme camping resort.

 I had went to them as a child and we have previously took the kids to one before.  It's an all around good time for families.  The whole environment is centered around family and fun.

  For this camp ground we drove a few hours away.  To Natural Bridge area we went on the other side of Virginia. Nothing like getting the whole camping experience with a drive and nothing but mountains and wilderness around you.  I took note of how flat the area is that we come from and appreciated the views we saw on the way.

  We pitched our tent quickly as my husband had arranged a tube ride for a child and myself.  He thought I would do better with my youngest daughter so off we went.  On a 4 mile tube ride down the James River that took me 3 hours roped to my daughters tube.  On our adventure we had catergory 1 rapids (that was enough), turtles, birds, ducks, geese and bugs.  Those were what I was lucky enough to see.  Let's not discuss what was in the water unnoticeable.

I didn't take my phone for pictures for fear It would get dropped, lost or wet.  So the only pictures I have are of when my husband went the next day with the other girls.  I managed to stay dry and noone flipped but I did sustain an injury at the end of the ride when I was trying to get out.  This was not my favorite thing to do but can not mark it off my bucket list for sure.

  We spent our days being the classic camper.  We made a campfire.  Roasted  hamburgers and hotdogs.  Even made some popcorn.

 The kids jumped on the bouncing pillow,

swam in the pool.  They had crafts daily, and of course meet and greet with the infamous bears.

 The adults were not ignored this week we were provided with a bluegrass band, BBQ cookoff and an ice cream social along with the kids!

    Everyone had a great time and we actually can't wait to go again.  Nothing bad to say about this campground.  All the staff that we ran into over the weekend we're very friendly and helpful to us.  Speaking to us or the children.  Inquiring if we were enjoying ourselves and directing us to any upcoming activities.  What little areas of trouble we had were quickly fixed.

Thank you Yogi, Boo Boo, Cindy and staff we will see you guys again!  Thank you for helping us create some great memories.

Check out this campground here:http://www.campnbr.com/

Family Friendly Camping

  I have previously camped with my family and with my girls for a girl weekend.  Since I have had two more children they have not had the privilege of this lifestyle yet.  I decided to introduce them to the concept.  Now my 4 year old is familiar with the highlights. Campfire, s'mores, flashlights and sleeping bags.  However she has never been in a tent.

  I have no problem with tent camping but if there is a cabin available that is my first preference.   We do not own a camper but hopefully in the future we can acquire one. Until then it is tent camping for us.  I must also admit I also prefer a nice cozy campground versus the wild, wilderness.  You know the campgrounds that have more people than wildlife.  Those are the ones for me.

  As a good introduction and a night of entertainment we assembled one of the small tents I own in the middle of the living room.

 

We brought all sleeping items and spent the night inside.  We finished our nightly routine and retired to the tent for the night.  Flashlights, shadow puppets,

trusty guard dog outside the tent and a cozy family tucked inside.  I never heard a complaint and no one had to make a late night trip to the bathroom.  I would deem this a successful event as the smile they went to sleep with they also woke up with.  The next day they even took their nap in there.

  It was a great family moment.  We did keep the tent up for a second night and again they really enjoyed it.  I think they are ready for the real thing.  Hello sleeping on the ground, night noises, and more fun!

Today is Great America campout!  There are alot of events planned for this exciting day.  Check out your local state parks to see their activities for the weekend.  How to make s'mores, build a campfire, pitch a tent.  Great starter classes to start a tradition with your family.

Find your Virginia State Parks here:http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/find-a-park.shtml

Follow my trips to visit my local state parks here:
http://belugasinva.blogspot.com/2015/06/state-park-challenge.html?m=1

http://belugasinva.blogspot.com/2015/06/state-park-challenge-park-2.html?m=1

http://belugasinva.blogspot.com/2015/06/state-park-challenge-park-3.html?m=1