Penrose Camping

We trekked over to Penrose Point State Park for our very first family camping trip. Nolan and Pat have gone a couple times but this is the first trip with everyone. We lucked out with some great weather so we were already off to a great start.

Setting up camp. Since these boys have done this together a few times, they worked together really well. Nolan helped pack the car, unpack the car, put up the tents, and start the campfire. 

While everyone was working, Miles just relaxed in his pack in play.

Once we were all set up we went for a hike to check out the area. 

We made it down to the beach so Nolan could throw rocks.

And Miles could chew on rocks. What is it with my kids and chewing on rocks?!

It was way passed the kids' bedtimes but they were in great moods and the sunset was gorgeous so we stuck around. I had just reminded Nolan that we didn't bring towels with us on this hike (we were planning to go swimming the next day) so he needed to stay dry. I took this picture just as I heard a big splash behind me.

Nolan decided to swim right now. Oh well! What's done is done, go ahead and play. I took a few pics of Nolan playing in the water and turned around to find this one.

I guess it looked like Nolan was having too much fun as Miles crawled his way down to the water to splash around too.

Those were some happy kids! 

Back at camp, we bundled the kids up, fed them dinner and then Miles was off to bed. Nolan got to stay up super late to make smores. 

This is where our rosy little vacation started to fall apart. Just as we were getting Nolan ready for bed, Miles woke up howling...and didn't stop. Finally around midnight he quieted down but was back up at 3am inconsolable and cold. We were primitive camping so just tents, no electricity. With not too many options I loaded him up in the car and drove, and drove and drove. Until we ran out of gas. Did you know that gas stations in the sticks close down and you can't get gas? I didn't. Luckily we made it back to camp where Miles and I hung out in the car until daylight when Pat took over and drove him back to the gas station to fill the tank and keep Miles asleep. Very tired we headed back to the beach as planned.

This time the tide was way out so we were able to explore the oyster beds and see lots of sea life.

I have never seen a beach so littered with sand dollars and shells!

Back at camp we were all super worn out by this time so Nolan and I took a nap in the tent while Pat and Miles went for another nap time drive. Poor Miles was just not a fan of sleeping in the tent. I think it was a combination of a lot of new noises waking him up and some new teeth cutting through. We are looking forward to trying again next Summer but I think him learning to walk and weaning will make for a much easier camping experience.
After all of our naps we decided it was best if Miles and I spent the night at my moms house which was not too far away and Nolan and Pat stayed behind for one more night. It worked well for all of us. Miles was immediately back to his cheery self. He took a bath, got to crawl around for the first time in a few days and slept like a log, which means I got to catch up on sleep too.
It went pretty much how I expected it to go so no surprises here. I'm looking forward to next Summer so we can keep trying. :)