Preemie Pandemonium: Camping 2014

We're back from camping! It was the kids' first time camping and my first time camping in almost 10 years. I'm not a fan, but we had fun! We had 11 people and 2 dogs in our group. Brett's sister Brande and her family, JJ, Trip, Patrick, & Collin. And Brett's parents, Momom & Popop. Along with the four of us and Mr. Bishop.

We went up to Joshua Tree National

park to a group site at Sheep's Pass. We had loads of space and we were tucked into a few rock piles. We had one really cold night but we were comfortable the rest of the time.

We took the kids hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, played games, played catch, and they filled out a Junior Ranger booklet.

Day 1

One family picture from the four days we were out there. What was I thinking?

The kiddos scoping out the joint from inside our tent.

Jax, Maryam, & Collin on top of a rock formation.

A cool silhouette shot I got of Maryam & a Joshua Tree.

Collin giving Jax a ride.

Playing catch and enjoying the evening as the sun went down.

We had a fun first day! The temps were warm, the kids were good, and fun was had by all.

Day 2

The second day was a bit windy and much colder. Tuesday night was FREEZING.

My nephew Patrick dug a big hole.

We all went on a hike. I think this is the only picture I got of all five cousins together.

We saw a rattlesnake!

Climbed on some rocks.

And finished the day with some scary stories. Maryam's was the best! It featured a monster saying, Harry Toaaad, Harry Toaaad. It was ADORABLE.

Another beautiful desert sunset.

Day 3

We started day 3 with a short hike. That short hike took us across two snakes! We saw a Roseyboa and a CA Striped Racer. I'm not sure why but I didn't get a picture of the Racer! Weird.

Cruising across the hiking trail.

Maryam & Daddy at the end of the hike.

Jax at the end of our hike. :)

After lunch we went bouldering! This place was great! Brande wandered into a cave that went on and on. The kids loved it!

Here are Maryam & Jax inside the cave. They're holding hands inside of those two holes. We didn't find any evidence that anything was living in the caves here. They went through them three times!

Collin, Auntie Brande, Maryam, & Jax on top of a huge boulder.

Maryam & Jax outside of the caves.

Daddy & Jax chilling on a boulder.

Here's the third snake we saw on Wednesday. This guy was in our campsite. He's a CA Striped Racer. He ended up going into this bush and we lost him.

On our last night there Uncle JJ & Auntie Brande cooked us a feast! The kids ate really well. Both Maryam & Jax tried and liked corn on the cob. Maryam are a huge baked potato for the first time too!