Devil's, er, Davis Lake

Camping. I used to think that it was the greatest thing on earth. After this trip, I may have to amend it to camping without fishing or kids is the greatest thing on earth. No, camping without toddlers and babies is the greatest thing on earth. Yup, that's it. My final answer. Never go camping with babies or small children. Unless, of course you are a baby, small child, or masochist, which I, most definitely, am not.

The trip started out innocently enough. In fact, I thought that we were off to a great start since I was able to leave work a couple of hours early. I really should known better because when I got home and was finishing up the packing Denver was looking for his bass flies. He was still looking when I was done loading all the food and kids into the truck (he'd loaded just about everything else earlier). Still, I refused to be impatient or get irritated because we still weren't too far behind schedule. In fact, I encouraged him to head to Cabela's to pick up a couple of the flies he needed because I knew how important fishing for bass was for him. Besides, lately I've felt like I'm just a nasty, old crank and I've vowed to become a happier, funner person. While waiting for Dad at Cabela's, Corbin had a little breakdown, insisting that Chase bit his finger. I'm pretty sure Chase didn't but it's just not worth it to argue with Corbin.

After Denver got his flies, we were officially on the road. I was content, but a little anxious to get there. Still, I tried to keep busy and keep the kids entertained so I wasn't paying attention to Denver as he drove. I was in the middle of taking a picture of Mia's tongue, when Denver drove right past the first turnoff.

She's got a heart-topped tongue. And yes, she is a mess-I figured we didn't need to clean her up since she was just about to get pretty filthy.

We all laughed about the detour and it gave me the opportunity to take a picture of this one long, wild hair growing out of Denver's neck.

We still hadn't decided where we were going to camp yet. We had a couple of different lakes in mind that were fairly close to each other, and we thought we'd just sort of see what was available when we got there. As we got closer we still hadn't decided, or so I thought, and we missed the turn to Gold Lake (my first choice). By the time we turned around, again, and bounced along the dirt road to the campsites we were fast approaching dusk. There were quite a few open spots, and one I really liked, but Denver still wanted to check out Davis Lake. I'll admit, that I was starting to get a little ticked off at that point, but I kept it in check and reminded myself, again, how much fishing means to him. Besides, I knew I was extremely prejudiced against Davis Lake, since the worst camping trip of my life was at that lake. (37 weeks pregnant with Mia, Denver gone for all but 3 hours during the day fishing, bathroom a short hike away, no lap space for Corbin who wanted to be held and carried, I think you get the picture.) So we pressed on and I thought that I had successfully suppressed all my anger and irritation. Maybe I would have been able to if we hadn't missed the turn to Davis Lake and had to turn around, yet again, only to find that the campground Denver wanted was completely full. By the time we got to another campground on Davis Lake, it was full on dark. Denver found an empty campsite and we started to unload. Denver did the truck while I unloaded all my anger, frustration and loathing of Davis Lake onto Denver. It really didn't help that the campsite he found was surrounded by other people. There weren't a lot of trees and it made me feel like a sardine squeezed into a can. NOT my idea of a relaxing camping trip. Particularly when I knew I was going to be worried about Karli waking everyone up at night or early morning. To say I hated the site is a gross understatement. But I knew how late it was and Denver made a valid point-the kids weren't going to care where we camped, I was the only one that hated it. He even offered to start packing everything up and drive back to Gold Lake. It may have been one of our worst fights ever. I won't even tell you the names I called him, because I don't think it's appropriate for anyone to hear. Ever. And at the time, I felt I was still being polite. I was literally shaking with rage at Denver and the wretched campsite, but I knew how  miserable everyone would be if we had to drive the hour or so back to Gold Lake, so I told Denver to just let me vent and then I wouldn't say another word about it. And I didn't. That first day, Denver took the three older kids fishing while Karli took a nap.

Karli that first morning.



Can you tell that he loved his instant oatmeal breakfast?



Mia getting ready to go fishing with Daddy.



"I'm going fishing!"

While they were gone and I had quiet time, I took some pictures and read a book. It was, actually, kind of relaxing. Mmmmm. That's the sound of me eating my words. Some of them anyway.

These little guys were everywhere. Daring little buggers, ran right up to ya.

After they returned from fishing and the little ones had naps, we packed up some gear and headed on down to the creek/lake for some swimming.

I just can't get over how adorable she is.



"One second, Corbin, and then I will catch you."

The water was a little cold.

Mia preferred to play on the bank.

Karli and Chase-Karli didn't want to play in the water so she stayed under the umbrella and slept. But she does look cute in her swimming suit.

Chase had no problem playing in the water and is all the way under in this picture. (I promised him 2 poo cookies if he went all the way under.)

COLD water!

The view from under the umbrella.

Another view.

Mia loved being spun around by Chase.

 After we'd swam for a while we headed back to camp to get dinner started. Of course, while I was busy...

"I love dirt!"

"I'm taking a bath"



"Me too, Mom. I'm taking a bath."

"Please keep a better eye on Mia, Mom. She keeps getting me."

 After their "baths" we took the kids back down to the water and cleaned them up while dinner was cooking. After dinner, Dad left for more fishing and we all had smores and went to bed.

The next morning, Dad got up and went fishing again pretty early. I should probably mention that at some point I'd told him that he better do quite a bit of fishing because if I was gonna be stuck at Devil's Lake, he'd better make the most of it and enjoy as much fishing as possible because that was the only thing that could make up for me being stuck in hell-at least Denver was having a good time. Of course, I didn't anticipate Karli screaming all morning while the kids almost starved to death because it took me so long to get breakfast together. But, somehow, we survived the morning and even managed to have a little fun.

Mia's always wanted a puppy...

"Corbin, it wants kiss you"

"Corbin was thrilled to get his rocket ship."

Something about the umbrella caught her attention-for quite some time.

I wish I could say that I'd lived up to my word and kept my mouth shut, but I didn't. I had a meltdown when Denver got back and told him I was ready to go home. That I thought I'd be fine with the kids, but I just couldn't hack it when Karli got in one of her moods. It wasn't just that, but she'd cry and then whenever any of the other campers would walk by, they'd stop and ask if this was the baby they'd heard crying all morning, and how old is she? Glass-house living is NOT my forte and I was miserable. But after I vented again, I calmed down and was willing to stay. Besides, Denver was successful for once, I think he caught five bass while the guy he was with caught two. So we had some lunch and sat around while we waited for the kids to take naps. And when I say sat around, it's more like Chase and Dad set up targets and shot the air gun for a while as the kids played in the too-hot-for-sleep tent. We finally gave up on naps and went swimming again.

I was secretly pleased that Karli's face matched how I felt most of the trip. And she did it just for Daddy when I was trying so hard not to.

He's growing up soooo fast.

That evening, we roasted hot dogs for dinner while Dad made peach cobbler. Once the kids were asleep, Dad and Chase left to do a little more fishing. No luck. The following morning though, Denver took the kids fishing again...

...while Karli and I packed up camp and loaded the truck.

The kids had a great time fishing, mainly because...

Three bass! Apparently, they hooked five but only landed the three. Still, it was fun to see the kids have such a great time. And, maybe, in four or five years I'll be willing to go camping again.

The Fabulous Fourth

I love the 4th of July. The kids have so much fun every year, how could I not? This year was hard for me though. We have many very good friends and we were invited to several BBQs. It's awesome, except when you realize you can't possibly go to all of them and you'll have to make some tough decisions. So, I decided that we'd take me out of the picture and let the husband and kids decide where to go. Denver's new job requires him to be up at 4:00 in the morning, so he wanted to go to the earliest BBQ possible that the kids would still enjoy. And so we did. But well before that, we had some pancakes that Chase made. Red, white and blue of course!

While it was still pretty early, I thought I'd get the pictures out of the way so I didn't have to worry about the kids messing up their outfits. I'm glad I did, because I think it would have been pretty awful if I'd tried to make them stop playing just for some pictures.

Mia was hiding at first.

Of course, then she was dominating.

Say cheese.

She LOVES Karli.

Once Mia got to hold Karli, I could no longer get her to look at me.

He's a stud. A teenage stud.

Another stud. Only this one is 4.

I'd asked him to do a dance for me.

She was done looking at me before we even got to her solo shoot.

Mischevious.

Karli was enthralled with the grass.

Still loving the grass. I gave up trying to get her to look at me while sitting in the grass.

But even up high she was still looking down. Who knew grass was that cool?

This is my favorite one of her.

So when she finally looks up-goofy girl is what you get.

I got below her for this shot.

"Okay Mom, I'll give you one picture."

 After the photos, we went to get a few little fireworks for the kids to do at home that night. I let each of the kids pick out one firework. Corbin was ecstatic about the pack of helicopters he found. After the fireworks stand we returned home and I put the toddlers down for naps and then ran to The Z's to check on Emilio's neck. Everything looked great and after a nice visit we headed back home to get the cookie salad made for the BBQ. Mia was a big help.

 We were trying to hurry to get to the BBQ but we're also planning on camping this weekend so we had a few stops to make on the way. It didn't help that we've never been to The Warren's new house before and got lost, but we did get there. And we had an amazing time. The kids were in heaven and the food was delicious. We were planning on leaving after we ate, but Chase begged and the kids were having so much fun that I didn't have the heart to tear them away so Denver hitched a ride home so he could study and get some sleep before work. I was glad we were able to stay longer, but I did miss Daddy Rabbit. I hate watching fireworks without him. I got over it though, because I had to and because the kids kept me so busy I didn't have time to miss him too much. Karli wasn't sure about the fireworks because of the noise, so I had to hold her the entire time and talk to her after the loud ones otherwise she'd start screaming. Mia started out sitting with Bonnie, but after she fell, she only wanted me. Corbin loved every minute and didn't take his eyes off the sky once they started. He kept telling me how beautiful they were and that the blue and red ones were his favorites. I don't think Chase could have had a better time because he got to light quite a few of them. It was a great show. By the end, however, Mia was begging me to make them stop because they were too loud and she was tired and wanted to go to bed. Karli was asleep in my arms. I'd wanted to take some time and try out the new camera, but with all the children in my lap, it'll have to wait until next year...

Mia getting ready for the fireworks in her stylin' new coat.

Corbin was pointing out the fireworks.

I was trying so hard to get a picture of her startled face. She was jumping every few seconds.

Mia showing off the fireworks.

Sparklers.

I had Chase take this picture and then put the camera away for me since there was no more room in my lap.

Once the show was over we packed up the kids into the truck and they were all asleep before we even reached the main road. Well, except Chase. It was fun. Happy 4th of July!