Father And Son Campout

Last Friday, was our night to babysit, it didn't rain and the weather was reasonably warm. Just the kind of evening that Chris had been waiting for.
A weekend or so before had been the ward Father and Son camp out. Chris really wanted to take Noah. He has been waiting years to start introducing Noah to some of his favorite outdoor activities. The time has to be just right, though, especially with Noah.

Otherwise we end up with situations like when we are cutting hair. A near breakdown at the thought and an actual continuous riot of crying, snot and screaming while we are doing it. Not pleasant for anyone, especially years after the initial incident of clipper use gone awry.

So we have tried to be selective and optimize our chances of having positive experiences when it comes to new adventures for Noah. Chris deemed Friday night the night.

Building the fire was fun 'cause we got to break sticks.

And then it was time for the tent. Chris had willing helpers.

Until the poles came out and then suddenly it was all about the 'cranes'!

And after that got settled it was a great tunnel for a running game.

After the friends left and Ian was put in bed it was time to outfit the tent for the night. This entire process was interspersed every other minute with the same question: "Can I sleep in the tent?"

When the 'beds' were made, warm clothes put on and a bag of books packed up for reading by the flashlight they were set. Chris said that finally about 10:30 they turned off the light. Noah slept well. Chris, well, not so much apparently.

But it was a great success and Noah wanted to sleep in the tent again the next night. For our next camping adventure we hope to make it further than the backyard. (And somehow we will have to incorporate Ian and baby!)