my free moment

The boys and I headed off on Sunday to camp for a night.
And since the boys tend to turn up their noses at going anywhere with just me, we took a neighbor kid along.

This was the first time I was going as the lone adult.
 I knew I could handle the actual process of camping.  (especially since we planned to eat out for dinner)  ;)
I just wasn't sure if I could handle the lack of adult conversation.  I am a glutton for peer companionship.

It just so happened that the evening was great.   The boys enjoyed playing with fire and I wasn't too annoyed with their random discussions.   AND I slept better than I usually do in a tent!   Apparently we all slept pretty good..... until 9 and 9:30am!
(bonus points for keeping our sleep schedules while camping!)  :)

 I think I'm getting used to the thought of camping more often..... and hopefully staying more than one night when we go out.

After realizing that we will always have extra people with us...   AND after camping with our cousin last week in a ginormous tent, I made the decision to purchase a larger tent for our family.
Tonight we welcomed a "10-person instant cabin tent" into our family.... and into our front yard!
The boys were super excited to try it out.    And the neighbor too.

(I'm not sure what our other neighbors will think... because I can still hear chattering at 11:30pm)
.... but.... my boys are making memories!

  It has taken me a few weeks to work out the kinks in my summer 'ideal'.    The boys and I have had heated discussions on what our summer days should look like.   Apparently our city pool which is Olympic size has become "too small" for my kids. (i.e., they are spoiled and ungrateful).

The one thing we have agreed on is camping, visiting the lake (so far, the lake still seems big to them.), and having late night campfires.

These are all acceptable to me.  And actually very fun for all of us.  So in order to keep video games and TV at bay, I'm encouraging these activities.  I'm going all out.

The most fabulous news is: I have recently achieved my dream of syncing our summer sleep patterns.
We are one of the fortunate families who can host campfires until 10pm, sleep until 9:30-10am, wash and repeat.
I tried to explain to my kids that the 'real world' works year round.

In just a few years the 'real world' will be a reality to all three of us.
Until then I'm gonna let them be kids.
 And please don't call me before 10am.

spoiler:  this is a post about how I don't have to work in the summer.   So all you haters, back off.   ;)