Camping in Idaho

Confession:  John and I haven't really ever been camping together.  I know, shocker.   I guess there was that family reunion at Heber Valley girls camp, but I'm not going to count that.  So this past weekend we went up to Garden Valley Idaho to visit our friend Michelle, watch her in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and do some real outdoorsy camping....with the help of a pop up camper ;)   

It took about 6 hours to drive up and Deja did pretty well considering that I ran out of time to prepare more distractions for her before leaving.  John and I just listened to Harry Potter the whole way up, so we were happy!  We didn't get in till late Friday night, so we basically just set up the basics and went to bed.

Saturday morning we got up bright and early, had breakfast, caught up with Michelle, and John told us all his memories of family vacations in their camper.  

Asher, Ember, and Deja trying to build a "fire."

Deja, Ryder, and Ember

"Don't I get a water bottle?"

After everyone was ready for the day, we decided to go to the river and play in the water and have a picnic lunch.  The kids had so much fun!  Deja had no fear, but mommy did ;)

After we got back, we changed into dry clothes and John set up a game of Kubb that we've been wanting to teach everyone for some time.  The kids did pretty well just watching.  We let Asher throw a couple times.  For those who haven't played, it's basically hitting sticks with sticks ;)

After playing for a while we had a rainy dinner, hid out in the camper for a while, and then it cleared up enough to be able to see the musical!  Michelle played the villain and totally stole the show.  She did so well as a "little Asian woman."  We totally lucked out because that weekend her husband Skye came up to cover one of the parts in the show.  (He's living in Utah-working and taking care of their house, while Michelle pretends to be a "single mom" and being in shows every night.  I could never do that!!)  My biggest regret is not getting a picture of the two of them together!!

Deja only made it a little past intermission till I ended up taking her out.  (I had already seen the show so I wanted John to be able to enjoy the rest of it.)

That night we stayed up super late roasting marshmallows, talking, laughing, and eventually sending out floating lanterns.  It was so much fun.  

Sunday morning we pretty much woke up, had breakfast, said our goodbyes and packed up for the long drive home.  We ended up stopping in Boise for a picnic lunch which was good because we had so much leftover food!!!  Deja slept most of the way home which was nice :)  

Ember sniffed out the cheese before Deja, which is saying something!!

Comfy?  Deja laid on top of Daddy all by herself ;)

Catching some zzz's before hitting the road again.

Best Friends!

We had such a great trip.  It was fun to catch up with Miche and support her in the thing she loves to do the most!  Easing John back into camping was also good too.  Maybe next time we'll even stay in a tent ;)