Camping at Broken Bow

We've talked about going camping since before any of the kids were even a thought....we'll this past weekend we finally did....what took us so long and when can we go back. There will be more pictures to come as these kids as you know are the most photographed in Texas I'm sure....maybe even the whole world....so between my camera, Ashley's, Karen's, Robin's, and Angela's.....considered yourself forewarned.

Friday Nick and I took off the afternoon, picked Jack up and headed to Broken Bow, Oklahoma to meet up with the Parnells, McWilliams, Sullivans, and Angela. The cabin had 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 Queen pull out sleepers, a wrap around porch, hot tub, and a fun camp fire area with the swing pictured above. It was close to the park but far enough that we didn't care if the kids were running around and being loud.
While waiting for the others to arrive Olivia, Nathan, and Jack snacked on popcorn (Olivia's mom was with Nick and Aaron gathering information at the visitor station and I some how knew by Olivia's reaction that she hadn't tried popcorn before...oops). We had dinner of burgers, hot dogs, chips, and dip while everyone trickled in from the city to our cozy cabin in the woods.

When we woke up Saturday morning it was pretty cold so Jack and Willow supervised while Derrick started up a fire for us to enjoy while getting ready for the day of fun.

The Breakfast Club handled the cooking while the rest of us did some wilderness hunting and photos in the front of the cabin.

The instructions for the art project that Camp Director Jennifer had in mind was to collect leaves, pine needles, etc. from the woods that would be used later to create artwork (never happened) and my son was the only kids that didn't collect ANY leaves...only rocks. This pattern continued throughout the trip.

So small....yet LOVED so much.

The gang.

It was a great weekend for friends of all ages.

Admitting here that M&M's helped with our photo shoot...Nathan got 3 for this...he was the only camper that followed the director and pointed to the cabin sign. I don't know how those school photographers do it all day without M&M's...they were so receptive Wayne and I were running from them after each picture was taken.

Breakfast for champions- banana & regular pancakes, scrambled & fried eggs, turkey sausage, & fresh fruit.

While waiting for the parents to load up Olivia and Jack checked out the local wilderness area at our cabin.

Our first stop was the Train, Horse, & Hay Ride area.

All Aboard: The Relle Clan

Jack really wanted to ride the horses...we decided to let Olivia and Aaron try it out and if Jack continued to ask about riding the horses then we'd go back Sunday to ride before heading home. So while they rode through the woods....we took a different route

the paddleboats in the lake.

We got our workout for sure

thanks to the friendly of course competitions between the Parnells and the Relles.

After a picnic lunch the swings were calling Jack and Nathan's names.

Jack and Mommy trying to outswing Wayne and Nathan.

Jack and Nick horse playing on the swings-who needs horse riding?!? Well next time for sure we will Jack....or we'll find someone local that will let you ride their horses.

After much needed naps (and watching the LSU Game-I let the TV come on for LSU & Arkansas football) the boys lit up the pit and we had a gourmet meal of steak, chicken, corn on the cob, and french green beans...

And what better after such a great meal? A Camp Fire with s'mores. This was kinda a mess but tasty, fun, and we even were able to eat before the rain came in. After an evening of The Newlywed Game til 1:00 the cabin was quiet except for the rain (and our son that kept waking up crying because all the toys he brought to our bed were falling out of his reach and he wasn't happy about it).

Jack supervised Nick lighting the fire since he has been so observant with Derrick the morning before. Breakfast was leftover pancakes and danishes.

While the parents packed and cleaned up the kids played with the rocks in the rain...I'm telling you....who needs entertainment...just a driveway made of rocks and the kids were as happy as can be.

The Relles were the last to head out and instead of leaving right away we decided since it had stopped raining to explore some more. First stop, the Gift Shop. Nick and I got a magnet for our travel collection and Jack of course wanted a bag full of rocks...you know to go with the bag of free ones we already had packed in the car.

We finally found the BIG LAKE which was beautiful...but this little area of rapids was what Jack loved the most....I was a nervous nelly about him falling in, but he did great staying close and enjoyed every rock he threw in with the same passion as the first.

I even got close (dangerous for someone without balance like me) and tossed a few rocks with Jack.

The Relle Clan

This weekend was amazing. It was much needed for us and spending it with great friends made it even better. The smile here is proof that all the hard work in getting it together (and finishing it up with the bills) was totally worth any stress it caused. I can't wait til next year....and just think...with Harper and Sullivan Baby #2 the group will be even better and BIGGER!