Camping is always an adventure with little ones in tow, and our trip to Ross Lake July 7-9 was no exception. Isaac, Levi and Luke had a blast playing with rocks and sticks (endless fun for little boys), running on the dock, going for a boat ride, watching Grandpa clean fish and learning that water isn't quite so scary with a life jacket on AND an inflatable animal to cling to. Elijah, on the other hand, wasn't quite so impressed. He wasn't real big on crawling through dirt and rocks, so he mostly sat on peoples' laps, which meant he didn't wear himself out enough to really sleep well.... you get the picture. 
Maybe he'll figure out the walking thing before our next camping trip in August and be able to get around and play a little more (and sleep a little better!). Despite one slightly grumpy baby, Wade and I also had a great time swimming, playing games, spending time with friends and family who were camping with us, eating camp food and sleeping (we alternated sleeping in and taking naps so we both got plenty of sleep even though the kids woke up early). 
Ross Lake was the very first place my parent's took me camping when I was 2 and it's been a family favorite ever since. It takes 40 miles of dusty gravel road to get there, but it's worth it for the beautiful views of the lake and mountains, fresh piney air and crystal clear water. It's one of those places where God is just so obvious you can't help but feel him close to you.
It reminds of the song "This is my Father's world. I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees of skies and seas, his hands the wonders wrought. This is my father's world, and to my listening ear, all nature sings and 'round me rings the music of the spheres" (and frogs... the very loud music of the frogs all night long!).
