Then...and......now

I used to backpack every spring through fall. I loved packing everything you need into a backpacking backpack, hiking in carrying 40 pounds of goods, the silence, solitude, scenery. I loved all the conversation and comfortable silences that comes from spending anywhere from 2-6 days without another being and no distractions. I loved pumping water out of a stream, finding the perfect tree to hang your food, cooking on a tiny stove, sleeping under the stars, the noises of nature.

I took all the chances I got to be "living" in nature for a few days. I went with my sister....

Took amazing trips with my best friend Amy including one 5 night 6 day trip in the Trinity National Forest.

And for my bachelorette weekend I went backpacking with some friends, I believe it was a first for a few of these great gals. I also have backpacked all over with Adam, but can't seem to find a single picture.

And after years and years of amazing trips, I thought it would be the same once I had kids. I attempted a backpacking trip with Charlie when he was 1 year old...and I was pregnant. I should have realized that none of the things I loved about backpacking were remotely possible with a baby on your back, and another in your belly. Nothing is worse than carry a 20 pounder on your back, with the belt around your belly, while throwing up, especially when you have a heart condition and your husband picks a very challenging 1.75 mile hike....but nonetheless we smiled, laughed, and made memories.

A few months before that backpacking trip we went on our first camping trip. It was hard and different as well. There as no sleeping in, midday naps, books read...(except children books). The two trips in three months scared us away from camping/backpacking with kids.....

But with spring here, and the sun shining (sometimes), the mountains and trees are calling our names. So.....we have made reservations for a few different camping trips this summer, and I am super excited. There is no place I would rather be than in the woods with Adam and my wonderful kids. Last Sunday we did something Adam and I haven't done in many many years, we ventured "over the hill" together with the kids to buy charlie some yoccer keats, and then REI to buy: drum roll please.....a 6 person tent. Charlie happily shopped with me while Adam sat with a napping Kate in the car. He raced over to this chair and said, "This camping chair is great for me."

Thanks to a REI dividend, a great sale, and some saved up tutoring money, we purchased a nice tent, and four camping chairs. We are all ready to go. Wish us luck. If this trip is anything like the last two trips we took two years ago, it may be another two years before Adam agrees to camp again.

Happy Camping!