Memorial weekend camping

Time for our annual camping trip. This year, no large groups, decided to try something new. We went with our friends to Bears Den, right on the Appalachian trail. We invited our friends, the Michauxs, to join us.

We added a screened canopy to our equipment this year, though we really didn't need it. There was this great pavilion right by our tents. We ended up with all our fires in the fireplace. Made it great for roasting S'mores -no smoke in the face.

Emma & Olivia -best friends.

Here are some of the things we found along the way: a toad, the lodge for the "through hikers", mountain laurel, girls with bandannas, view of the Shenandoah River, the almost half-way point for the Appalachian Trail.

This is what happens to kids in their natural environment.

Emma & Olivia show us some hand jives they learned. Time for some group photos:

When we were walking back to the campground, I found a honeysuckle bush. I called all the kids over to try. I was surprised that Emma actually tried it! And she liked it!