Camping

Lake Francis Campgrounds

Dobbins, CaliforniaFor the past several years, we have made it a point to plan camping trips with our kids. The kids all love being outdoors and exploring nature. We want them to experience and appreciate God's beauty as we did as kids. This year we were fortunate enough to also share neighboring campsites with my brother, Tim, and his beautiful family. (Tim and Lisa, you rock!) We spent three days and two nights sleeping under the stars at Lake Francis in Dobbins, California. Friday (June 6th): The anticipation could be felt before we even left the driveway. In fact, Tiegan and Kennedy were so excited that they could hardly even sleep the night before. The Sienna was packed to the roof with camping gear. Upon arriving at the campgrounds, approximately two hours later, the girls and their cousins, Austin, Caitlyn, and Riley, were immediately on their way exploring for bugs. They collected earwigs, rollie pollies, beetles, grasshoppers, centipedes (which we encouraged to be released right back into nature), etc. That kept them busy until camp was set up and all the tents were pitched. Dinner was B-B-Q. And Tim's campfire was a perfect ending to a busy, fun-filled day. (Kids were happy that they didn't have to take a bath before bed.) Flashlights were a hit and kept them all entertained for hours. Saturday (June 7th): Everyone was up bright and early ready to begin the day. Morning started off with a hot, delicious breakfast; bacon, eggs, potatoes, and sausages. Kids could hardly sit still long enough to eat. They were anticipating going fishing with Byron and Tim. In just a couple of hours, they caught 6 fish altogether. (We catch and release.) Austin, now 11 years old, fished alone while all four of the girls helped with reeling in the fish. Great memories and experience. After lunch, a game of wiffle ball, follow the leader, big bouncy ball, and frisbee was played. We took a long nature walk deep into the back woods along the designated trails. Hours of playing in the dirt and water kept them content. But the highlight of the day was in the evening around the campfire when each of the kids adorned themselves with glow sticks eagerly waiting to roast smores. Yummy! We adults enjoyed our campfire rendezvous after all the kids were snuggled in their sleeping bags. Sunday (June 8th): Camp clean-up... returning home, time to pack up... back to reality. Everything fit in the van originally, why not now? Even though none of the kids wanted to leave the campgrounds, they were equally glad to be home; clean baths, no shoes. They slept so hard in their own beds. For Braden, this camping trip was a first for him... FIRST time sleeping in a tent... FIRST time outside under the stars by a campfire... FIRST time going almost all day without a nap. Braden was a TRUE camper, taking it ALL in. Happy trails until we meet again. We are already planning our next camping trip. Who wants to go?