Memorial Day "Camping"

Memorial Day weekend, a chance to honor fallen soldiers is synonymous with a few other things: Sasquatch, Folklife, and camping to name a few.  It's hard to explain war, soldiers, and death to a four year old, but I did my best.  We tried to do our part by participating in a little "camping." 

Upon hearing an ad on the radio for the REI anniversary sale, Linus squealed with delighted and suggested we take a trip there.  Of course I did my best to oblige. I was eager to avoid the crowds and let them burn some energy at the giant treehouse.  We found kid sleeping bags on sale.  Armed with our new wares, we were ready to do some "camping."

I don't like camping in the rain.  Additionally, a virus has slowly been working its way through our family, leaving each victim with a fever for two days before moving on to the next person.  As Eileen got better Thursday morning, Linus got sick Thursday night.  Dave would later have his turn beginning Sunday.  I resolved to set up camp in our basement.

They are very into tongue rolling these days.

attempting to copy brother's silliness

Eileen hid while Linus was deep in thought.

 Of course camping isn't complete without roasting marshmallows.  Our solution--sterno smores!

you know it was a good s'more if it covers your face

Linus was annoyed we wouldn't let him build a campfire.  Dave kindly broke out the guitar for some quality campfire songs.

We are actually mean parents who made the kids sleep in their beds because A. we are mean and no fun and B. we like sleep.

The next morning we woke early to take a quick dip in the lake and float down the river (aka the Mount Lake Terrace Pool).  The rain kept us indoors for the weekend and eventually led us to the movies where we saw "Epic."  It was Eileen's first time in a movie theater.

Eileen's favorite part was sitting in the seat and letting her legs fly up because she didn't weigh enough to keep the seat down. 

The reflectors on the kids' raincoats make them look like they belong in Tron.

I was by myself with the kids and it went great.  Linus loved the movie, but I think parts were a little intense for Eileen. Eileen's response to seeing her first movie?  "I like Frog and Toad." (We saw the musical Frog and Toad was visiting Portland the other week.) Poor Dave spent the afternoon sick.  With the rain pouring, we baked cookies and sipped hot cider.

Someday the kids will have a more authentic Memorial Day camping experience.  In the meantime I think as long as we don't go the way of Troop Beverly Hills and camp out at a luxury hotel then I think we are doing pretty good.