I’m not going to give you 10 tips on why you should unplug and go camping. Instead, my hope is these pictures will lure you in and ignite in a deep sense of wonder from within that will give birth to a desire to create your own adventures with your little familia.
I was at a counseling conference when I heard the speaker say, “The Family that Camps Together Stays Together”. He was saying it jokingly but then he went on to explain the truth behind it.
As an “avid” camping family, I’d agree. We have so many fun stories to share of our great outdoor experiences and some not so fun but we can now share and laugh at. Nature has a way of bringing us closer together as a family–without the daily interruptions of life.
Cell phones buzzing.
Facebook status’ calling our name.
Tweets waiting to be retweeted.
Television episodes waiting to be watched.
Deadlines lingering over our head.
All of these things can wait, I’m serious. Instead, I want to focus on two things–unplugging and leaning in. Camping gives me this opportunity, to give of myself completely to my family.
Leaning in and giving each other our all is the best gift anyone can receive.
Don’t be afraid to lean in and give your kids–you!
My kids love feeling like they are a part of something bigger than themselves–so one of the things I try to share with them often is that they play an active role in our family. Camping is the perfect opportunity for us to share this message with them. They help us unload, set up the site, get food ready, put things away, chop wood… We don’t always involve them in everything but they definitely get to be a part of the unloading and setting up the site–for better or worse.
I think a lot of times as parents we are afraid they are going to die of boredom out in nature but you’ll be amazed at how quickly they find something to do.
Don’t worry they will find a way to entertain themselves.
Here are some fun pictures of our most recent camping trip with friends and family that we enjoyed over the 4th of July in South America. We camped at one of our favorite family friendly car camping spots–Jerusalen Protective Forest.
I always try to squeeze some relaxing me time in our camping trips.
Jerusalen camp grounds has a FREEZING cold pool. I’m not sure how this happened but I got the crazy idea that I needed to jump in. As you can see from the expression on my face it was freakin cold. I’m a chicken when it comes to cold water.
Then at some point in the middle of the scorching hot afternoon, the adults decided to ambush all of the kids! Buahahahahah!! This is what memories are made of, my kids are still talking about it.
Can I just say family and friends make life so much more pleasant! Thankful for our dear friends and family that comes and visit us.
Bubbles make us young. I found myself mesmerized and lost in my preschoolers world and giggling like a little girl!
Let freedom ring! I really did feel free! I think this may become our new tradition–July 4th camping!
There’s nothing like a sunset hike after dinner to get your ready for some smores!
From the first day we discovered this campsite my kids fell in love with it because of this tractor “train” ride.
Part of the reason this camp site exist is to educate visitors of the “bosque seco,” the dry forest. So the entrance fee includes a guided tour (or you can take a self guided tour), of the area. The dye on my sons face below is from a parasite that grows on the cactus plant and was used long ago by the indigenous people for dying clothing and make up.
Isn’t the view spectacular! Actually a few feet away from where the picture below is taken is where the equator runs through.
So this July 4th I continuously found myself giving thanks to God for the freedom we have to worship him, for the beauty all around us, for simple fun and laughter
and for deep friendships and loving family!
What activities help you lean in closer to your familia?
