Merrick's First Camping Trip

Craig recently decided it was time for Merrick to experience his first time camping. And what better place to break out all the gear for the first time in many years than right in our own back yard? We bought a little charcoal grill, brats for the boys and a veggie dog for me, baked beans, macaroni salad, and of course the meal couldn't be a successful camping meal without s'mores.

Merrick was loving every minute of it. Much to my chagrin (no really, I was truly disappointed, really), we remembered that there were only 2 sleeping bags and there just wouldn't be enough room for me to camp out there with them. So at the end of the night I parted ways with my campers and begrudgingly made my way to the really comfortable, warm bed -- sigh -- while Craig and Merrick were cozied up under the stars.

I have to admit I wasn't certain how long it would be before the novelty wore off and the two of them came stumbling into the house in the middle of the night searching for the comfort of their warm beds. But I was very surprised and proud that they actually made it until 5AM - and the only reason they didn't finish the entire night out there is because Craig forgot to turn off the sprinklers so they were awakened by a nice little shower (we made a note that we need to make sure we get a new WATERPROOF tent).