As has been the tradition for the past several years, each summer we go on the Flemign Family Camping trip where all of Rod's brothers and their families and us try our luck in the beautiful outdoors. Because Randy's wedding in Hawaii took the place of last year's camping trip, this was to be Reagan's first camping experience and ours with camping with two kids. We all headed to Pearragyn lake near Winthrop, WA. for three nights. I have to admist - my nerves were a wreck thinking of all the challenges we may have to face. However, my worries were needless because we ended up having a fantastic time. Some things we experienced that are worth mentioning:

* Brock, who had just finished his second round of swim lessons and who loves the water, is not a fan of the 'icky' mud that made up the ground of our little beach on the lake. Thankfully cousin Darren didn't mind getting his feet dirty and pushed and pulled Brock around on an intertube all day long. What a great cousin!

* Reagan wasn't shy of the water but with her not being very 'sure-footed', she would often fall and get soaked which she would get very upset about but then start the whole process over, and over, and over again.

* We learned that Brock is definitely not ready to give up naps. Because his cousins no longer take naps, and because napping in a tent for a 3 year old is rough, Brock didn't nap the three days we were there. No napping mixed in with a child living the 'treerible three and 1/2's" was a bit rough for everyone at times. Thanks to everyone for grinning and bearing the fits.

* Reagan is an escape artist whose only mission is to run into the campground road. We had 8 and 1/2 adults at our site and she still managed to scare us a half dozen times.

* Camping while there is a fireban isn't all that bad. Once it's dark, there isn't all that much for the kids to do so they didn't really fight bedtime.

* Changing diapers in a tent can do havoc to your back.

* Brock tried the rope swing where you let go and land safely in the water. Maybe next year he'll actually let go of the rope.

* Mom tried the rope swing and loved it. Didn't love the incredibly painful torn arm muscles she experienced throughout the following week.

All in all, it was a great trip and we look forward to camping next summer.

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