Camping for the Fourth of July

This weekend we spent it with our friends in the woods. Yes, Andy and I decided to go camping with our friends the Campbell’s north of Payson, AZ for another Fourth of July. We were in the same area as last year and that also means no flushable toilets, just us and a shovel to dig the hole for our toilet. We got there on Thursday night and it was a nice night to set up a tent. As we were unloading we realized that we (or Andy) forgot a couple of essentials, an extra blanket and our pillows. We brought an old comforter, but knew it would not be warm enough so we discussed bringing another blanket which is very warm. Andy decided he would take charge in getting out our warmest blanket and packing it, so yet, I blame the lack of warmth on him. So needless to say we were not off to a good start. I knew our nights were going to be sleepless as I knew we were going to freeze and miss our pillows. Of course I was right as the first night we didn’t sleep very well, but that was mainly because Izzy and Madison were so restless in the tent. We did allow the dogs to sleep on the Aero bed with us and this decision was made because we figured they would help keep us warm. Plus, that was a nice treat for the dogs because they are not allowed to sleep on our bed at home. Friday was a good day of being lazy. Andy and I were in charge of making breakfast and it was our first time having to cook in the woods. It’s all about being creative when cooking with a tiny Coleman stove that is set on an uneven ground. Andy and I displayed great team work and we got breakfast made. I was pretty impressed with us. Then we were onto a nice game of corn hole against the Campbell’s and I do believe we beat them in both games. Andy and I were in charge of dinner for Friday night, but I figured we did this so well for breakfast that it would be no big deal for dinner, and I was right. Friday night was another sleepless night as I froze my butt off in the tent all night long. I was dressed appropriately as I was wearing my North Face tights and my wool socks that my girlfriend game me a couple years ago. It didn’t matter…it was just COLD! So, we are onto Saturday and the girls were pretty playful so Andy and I took them for a walk in hopes of tiring them out. Not long after getting back to camp it was a torrential down pour, and then it hailed. It was pretty crazy weather that went on for 4 hours and left us all stuck underneath a tarp. This down pour created a river that ran underneath the Campbell’s tent which left them with a soaking wet tent. It was raining so hard that our tent just couldn’t help but leak a little and get our bed wet. Now, not only do we have lack of covers and pillows, but we now have a wet bed. This was all discovered after the four hours of rain and hail. I was ready to come home. I had enough and I was done with this camping adventure. The only reason why we did not pack up and leave is because we knew it would suck to pack when everything is so wet. We figured it would be better once things dried out the next morning. Once that was decided I was on a mission to get our bed sheets and comforter dry. That was a challenge, but we did get everything somewhat dry. At least dry enough to sleep in. Sunday morning couldn’t come fast enough and I was up and out of bed at 6:30am to start packing because I was ready to go home. I also think the dogs were excited to go home too. I am not anti-camping, but I am also not the first person to suggest to go camping. It’s not really my thing. All weekend I kept wondering who created “camping?” I mean, who said “Hey, let’s go sleep in the woods under a light plastic sheet, poop in the woods, freeze our butts off and get creative with our meals.” I am just wondering who would think of such a thing, because I never would suggest such a thing. I just go along for the ride. Despite the rain, cold and lack of supplies that we (meaning Andy) forgot to pack I still had a good time because of our friends, Amber and Brian.




Andy with both princesses.



Izzy loves to sit on mommy's lap. My little lap dog.



Madison and Izzy prefer to sit on the chairs over the ground.


Daddy's little lap dog.