Surviving and Enjoying Sly Park

From Life with the Bjorks

Last weekend we headed up with our church group to Sly Park.  Last year I was freaked out about taking a baby camping.  This year I was less nervous because I had come to terms with the fact Rachel and all her clothes would be filthy.  Several times throughout the weekend I had to take a deep breath and remind myself that the dirt will wash off, she is having fun, and being dirty will not kill her or me.  We don't have any pictures of it but take my word for it Rachel was covered in a fine layer of dirt and food by Saturday evening.  The trip started off with a lovely tantrum that seemed to last forever.  I know it didn't only because it is not still going, but it was a long one.  Rachel was over tired and over excited which was not a winning combination for a nap.  She finally fell asleep for a very short nap and after that our weekend improved drastically.  Here are Rachel's highlights:

1. The Lake:  We had a great time swimming in the lake both days.  Someone even brought up a baby raft that Rachel was still small enough to fit in.  She loved being pulled around in it.  The lake while murky was an excellent way to wash off the dirt and make room for new dirt.  The lake was also fun to throw big rocks in.  Big rocks are more fun to throw in than little rocks even if you can barely lift them because they make a way better splash.

2. The Hill: Near the fire pit and eating area there was a great little hill that made an excellent ramp for rolling a ball down.  After the hill the ground was such that the ball would stop rolling so Rachel could go get it and do it all over again.

3. Camping Chairs:  Just like Goldilocks and the three bears, Rachel had to try out many different chairs before she found the one that was just right.  Some were too big to get into and some were too easy to pinch finger in (Rachel luckily did not discover this on her own).  Actually, she found 2 perfect chairs: a little toddler one and a medium sized one.  Both were great for climbing up and down on and even sitting in.

4. S'mores:  Rachel was introduced to toasted marshmallows and s'mores this year.  Not surprisingly they were a hit.

5. Playing outside all day long!