weekend get away

We were very excited to head out on our 4th of July family cam pout. Friday morning we packed everything up and of course needed to go to Cabela's and Wal-Mart before we officially hit the road. On the way out of the store...it started POURING. This was no sprinkle...it was borderline theremustbeatornadocoming storm! The wind was howling and we took shelter in a car wash stall! Thank goodness it was nearby so all our stuff in the truck and borrowed trailer didn't get soaked. We waited for nearly an hour for the storm to pass and tried to decide if we still wanted to leave town.

This almost ruined our plans...

but it didn't. As soon as the rain stopped we drove off, but needed to take the long way to avoid the muddy roads. We arrived at private property of a guy Matt recently met and started to set up camp. It was quiet and had 4 ponds to fish in. Jumbo Lake was only 1 mile away and it was so awesome to not fight the holiday crowds!

Ella relaxed in my new COMFY lounge chair

and of course had to dig some holes

and check out the ponds!

and enjoyed the gorgeous sunset.

Ella really didn't want her hair done Saturday morning...but took the time to smile at daddy!
Breakfast was cold cereal, grapes and Pop Tarts! Oh so healthy!

We headed over to Jumbo with our lunch fixings in the cooler. The kids LOVED playing in the water, climbing the trees and fishing. I LOVED lounging in my chair, reading and soaking up some sun.

We didn't pack any fireworks, much to the boys HUGE disappointment. We were told we would be able to see a nearby town's fireworks, but we couldn't. Instead...it was peaceful and still a lot of fun. Matt and Morley fished long after dark and I caught fire flies with Drew, Brayden & Ella. That was so much fun. I remember wishing I could do that growing up and it was fun creating that memory with the kids. Brayden and Drew we champion catchers. Ella was thrilled to carry around the container holding the little 'lightening bugs'.

And we couldn't leave without a family picture. We spotted this old tractor on the property before we left. Thanks to the trusty 'self timer' on the camera...we were able to get a pretty fun shot. Of course not everyone is cooperating but I still love it...3 day camping grunge and all!

It was a FANTASTIC weekend. It is amazing how much less arguing the kids do when we are out and away from everything. I can't wait for our next outing!

Click HERE for more pictures if you just can't get enough!