The camera pooped out while we were on a really fun trip...

No camera- no fun to blog! But I will try! The camera is officially no more- until we get a new one, only words will have to suffice.

Ok, so we went camping with get this- 39 other people to Lake Granby (up by the west entrance to Rocky Mtn National Park for those of you unfamiliar with the area.) It is an annual deal that just keeps growing so yes, this time we had a record of 39 people. 20 kids all under 9 years old and 19 "big grown up kids." By nightfall both nights, all of the kids had headlamps, running around the gigantic campsite having the time of their lives. It really was impressive that so many people in one place could all get along and have such a great time!

We all rented a boat, the kids tubed, we swam, we all kayaked a bunch (kids as well!) played on the shore, ate smores, went on mini climbing/scrambling adventures and threw rocks from as high as we could into the water (in which I was coached by a 9 year old who doesn't play baseball, but did indeed help improve my arm. Prior to the small throwing competition, he informed a comrade of his while I overheard that, "all parents are evil." Well I immediately made my subtle grand entrance and then he rephrased and said, "some parents, she's pretty cool." This kid was pretty darn cool himself. He literally made me the best smore I ever had by melting the chocolate ON a smore stick while roasting the marshmallow on a stick with his other hand.)

I really wish I had photos, dinner and breakfast looked like a camp mess hall. It was really cool!

With so many families, the parking area looked like a van fest and mixed in the hodgepodge of "mommy mobiles" was our little Subie (there was actually another Subaru Outback there, but the family with the other one gave someone else some of their gear to take back for them, so that doesn't quite count.) I was so proud! Our little Subie held the Kayak on top of the car, and in the back, behind the kids' seats were two coolers, a bin of various water and kayak gear, tent, sleeping bags, thermarests, bin of food, toys, clothing, including winter gear for all four of us, fishing gear, pillows and towels. Truly amazing! I will admit, the vans were appealing when everyone else could kind of throw their stuff in while we created the perfect puzzle set up, but we did it, because I just really am not ready for a "mommy mobile" of my own, unless they come out with a new Volkwagon Eurovan weekender, because they are really cool and don't have the "I drive kids around all day car" feel. They have the "we are on the go and need a super cool vessel to get us there" feel. No pun intended for those of you with the mom mobile, I just can't do it- yet. But they are way more functional I'll admit!

Anyway it was a great time and looking forward to next year! Maybe I'll have photos for that one.

My next camping trip planned is going to be a climbing one! Only two weeks until I am cleared to climb again and I can hardly wait!