Rudy's Birthday Camp-out!

Rudy had a birthday last week but because it fell on both of our 12-hour work/gone from the house days, we celebrated throughout the week and spent the weekend camping! The day before his birthday, we had dinner with my parents. The night of, Michelle came over to watch the boys so we could go enjoy a dinner out!! Then, Saturday morning we packed our bags and headed just up the fwy a bit to an amazing Regional County Park that has campsites along a beautiful lake. It was perfect for a spontaneous trip. Surprisingly, the week before, a patient of Rudy's gifted him a generous gift card and we were able to purchase a new, 9-person tent and air mattress so we (and baby) could camp comfortably! :) 

We picked out our spot on top of a hill (pros and cons to that decision, as you can imagine!) and stopped for a picnic lunch. 

 Kyle helped with every step. I don't know if you can tell here, but his face is quite intent! :)

 All the work involved was worth it the second I saw and captured this face!!! :)

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

 The boys.

Our site. 

 

Here's a view inside the tent. It's big, but we'll grow into it! ;) There is a divider we could put up to separate the tent into two spaces (hence the 2 doors) and we may want to use that as the boys grow older and maybe bring friends, etc. For now, we just really enjoyed the space to walk around without stepping all over our beds.

The east side of the lake (where the tent camping is located) is a well-known fishing spot, so Ru took his kayak and fished his first fresh water experience in CA.

Kyle really wanted to help wash! What a big helper! :)

This is a common sight, followed by an adult reminding Kyle to be careful! :) If you're wondering why our boys have such different complexions...

...just look at their parents! :) I laugh because it'd take me a whole summer to get the kind of tan Ru can get in a single hour outside. And even then, I'm sure he'd be darker.

Ru kept Kyle entertained in a variety of ways. This swing made out of firewood and climbing rope was a hit.

After roasting hot dogs on the fire, we drank hot chocolate and ate popcorn. My parents were in South Dakota but Auntie Michelle was able to come by for the evening and then ended up staying the night with us! It was great to have her.

And now we're home. We've got our bags unpacked, laundry done, kids in bed, and 2 very tired parents!! Though it's a lot of work to camp with little ones, there's something about it and being out in nature that just makes us smile. Were there not-so-great moments? Of course! Was it worth it? You bet!! :) We can't wait to go again.

Happy Birthday, Ru/Daddy!!