Yesterday we did some pseudo camping. This is basically where a person is too tired to full on camp so they just meet up with their friends at the campground and spend the day. We packed our camp chairs, some firewood, and Carter’s stuffed owl named Hool (a mix between the words hoo and cool) – you know the basics for slacker camping.
Here is Hool – morning, noon, and night.
Our friends, who were actually camping had already been there one night and so had their campsite all set up and functioning. They also treated us to lunch, dinner, and s’mores. It was awesome!
Whittling Woman Preparing the Sticks
We had a troll’s feast for lunch consisting of meat grilled on sticks, along with delicious veggies, dips, and cheeses. Dinner was beef, chicken, and a variety of garden grown veggies grilled over the fire paired with salad. It really was a cross between camping and glamping.
Camping or Glamping? – Evidence #1
Camping or Glamping? – Evidence #2
We went on some lovely nature walks in the park.
Twisty Paths and Horsetails
Wildflowers and Wetlands
As the light faded and the evening stretched into night, we found it hard to say goodbye. Cody and Carter had made friends with the daughter of my longtime friend and right before we broke camp (and by broke camp I mean packed up our four chairs, the stuffed owl, and made sure we had one dog and two children in the car before driving away) I took this picture of the kids.
It was a sweet, sweet day filled with old friends, conversations in the forest over tasty morsels, times remembered, and the creation of new times to reflect upon.
Shoes On The Wrong Feet 
That’s great, and you got to sleep in your own beds at night!
I know – that was a great bonus to this whole not really camping activity.
What fun without all the fuss! I wish I would have thought of that when my kids were younger.
That sounds like a perfect day – and I can guarantee that your kids will be saying “remember that time..” for a long time.
It was a wonderful day trip. The kids are already asking when we are going “camping” again. 🙂
This looks like a heavenly day!!!
It was!
I *much* prefer Day At The Lake to Full-On Camping – especially with little ones. Looks like a perfect time, no matter what you named it 😀
It was so easy compared to all the preparation that goes into actual camping. Plus, I don’t know if it is because I am getting older or what but sleeping on the ground, even an air mattress, in a tent is starting to lose its appeal. It was a wonderful day of camping/glamping.
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FAMLY!!! You must have had a BLAST! I’m quite jealous!
Ahhh – thank you! 🙂 We had a wonderful time, I highly recommend it if you get the chance.
I always feel like I am about to get into trouble when I am outdoors. I feel like I need someone to be there to tell me it’s ok for me to be there. Like if you see a cop and you think… seatbelt check… not on phone… check… 10 and 2 check… Ok I’m cool he’s not here for me!
looks like fun and the owl looks like furby
Ha! Furby – I had forgotten about him. Nope, this is just your typical stuffed owl (although Carter has hinted at the fact that Hool has special powers and sometimes goes outside in the evenings on his own to explore the woods.)
so maybe a distant relative …
I would like to see Hool’s family tree… 🙂
I can camp like that.
🙂 It was quite fine, let me tell you.