Going Camping!

On Wednesday, my mom, sister and I took to the mountains on a much-needed camping trip. While nursling Ollie tagged along, this was my first time away from Abbie and Isaiah overnight. But, I knew they were in very capable hands at home with daddy. (Plus, it was a chance for him to get a glimpse of what *my* daily life is like!)

We got a late start on Wednesday, so that evening was just spent around the campfire, chatting about this, that and everything in between.

Ollie stayed bundled up in his carseat while we worked on dinner (tinfoil turtles) and pitched the tent. Afterwards, he blissfully dozed in my arms by the fire.

It got down to the low 40s, but inside the tent was surprisingly warm. I had a a fleece sleepsack over Oliver's pajamas, and made sure he was snuggly in the sleeping bag beside me. It was so cozy, compared to the chilly fall night.

The next morning, we woke up early to go bird-watching. Since it's peak migratory time, we were hoping to see lots of birds, especially warblers. We ended up seeing 20 different kinds of birds, including a red-tailed hawk, a kestrel, a great-blue heron, a winter wren, and a chimney swift. (The latter 2 are new ones for me, and will go on my life list!). But alas, not a single warbler!

Later that evening, we packed up camp while we cooked salmon, shrimp and rice over the fire. Ollie and I relaxed a little in the hammock, which he loved. He found the contrast of the green leaves against the blue sky to be just mesmerizing.

We had so much fun, I didn't want to go home. Although, I was more than ready to see Abbie and Isaiah, who both tackled me with hugs as soon as I stepped in the door. I'm disappointed that we didn't get to go camping as a family any this summer or fall, so I'm definitely hoping to do a lot next year!