We went camping. With our church family and with our children. Our kids had a blast. One of the memorable parts for me was staying in the caboose. All the cabins were taken when we signed up, so that was our only option, and it turned out to be the best one! What do you mean by caboose, you ask? Well, it’s just that. A caboose. Equipped with bunk beds and a futon.

It was kind of a hike to the restrooms (Cuz we ladies do NOT use the porta-potty. No way, no how.) but we managed. I brought my cane, and I’m glad I did because it was very useful keeping me upright over all the hilly terrain (Well, mostly. I only fell three times).

Most kids love to camp, and ours are no exception. So we do it for them. We are not crazy about camping, and the two of us do not camp well together. I am generally a morning person, but something about waking up on a crumb-coated futon with welts on your face from your wiggly, sound-sleeping, seven year old sets me on the wrong foot. Not to mention the moment I recall that I did not bring a coffee maker and have to roam the campground with my empty traveler mug, peddling for hot coffee. Oh, and did I mention the 15 mile hike to the bathroom?

I think we did some fun things while we were there. Well, the kids anyway. They swam, rode bikes and scooters, slid down the biggest slip ‘n slide you’ve ever seen, and even went zip-lining 30+ feet off the ground. When Natalie saw that her brother was getting ready to go, she wanted to go too. No fear, this child. She is our daredevil. Four years old, and such a girly-girl, but she has no fear. She trekked right up to the top, feigned hesitation and fear for the zip-line operator, and then when it was her turn, off she went. She had a blast! And her only complaint was that it went too slow. Crazy girl.

Let’s see… We also had a big potluck with the church folk. Now, I grew up Methodist, so I’ve been to my share of potlucks. This potluck was by far the most memorable. Because as soon as everyone got the food set up, it started to rain. Hard. So I scrambled to get my food (yummy salad, by the way) and squeeze in with the crowd under a camper awning to eat it. Craziest potluck ever.

All in all, it was a memorable trip, and we are glad we went. We are also equally glad to be home. I’m sure I’m missing a lot of great details about the trip but my head still needs to unwind. Tomorrow is the first day of school! Again (it happens, like, every year)!!

Summer is ending, y’all. What was your favorite part?