Camping in the Redwoods

We've been talking about camping with our good friends, the Libbys, for a few years now. However, there was just one problem: we hate camping. Not really - we like the idea of camping and the thought of our children having fond camping memories, but the few times we've tried it since we've had kids, we just haven't had much fun. I was optimistic enough to think that probably had a lot to do with crawling, napping, young children. If you REALLY love camping, you're ok with putting up with that. If you are a fickle camper, like us Rowzees, it's just not worth it when you have young children. So we thought this might be the year for us, with children the ages of 4 and 6. I also think the key for us is the term I've dubbed "Destination Camping". I've always wanted to go to the redwoods and suggested we try that this year. So we booked a campground, sight unseen, and headed to Jedediah Smith State Park near Crescent City.

I'm sold! We had the most amazing trip. Other than Allie's CONSTANT desire for food, even though she's not hungry (it's a "bored" thing and it's not exclusively saved for camping), and her ability to hurt herself every 10 minutes or so, and both my kids' ability to need to use the bathroom at the most inopportune moments... it was a blast!

Gotta have some campfire pictures. Connie just had to get the giant campfire marshmallows we've spotted recently. Ethan was the only one that loved them. The rest of us found that we could not handle that much sugar in one blow! Thus, Connie's "this-is-way-too-much-sugar" face.

Avery and her smore.


Avery roasting another marshmallow that she didn't want to eat.

Avery and Hailey roasting hot dogs.

The Smith River runs right outside of our campground and we spent quite a bit of time out there. It was just beautiful! The guys fished, the kids did a little bit of everything, and the moms lounged and read our books (in between searches for a potty for our kids... or tree... or just a big rock...). Despite Allie's struggles, she is such a sweetheart! I just can't resist a snuggle from that girl!

Her Uncle Russell can't resist her, either. He helped her fish a little.

I really love this picture of Allie and Avery. Of course, they didn't fish for long, but it was a fun experience for them to try.

Avery fishing on her own.

Rich had decided he had to fish on this trip. I don't think he caught anything, but he had a really good time trying!

Those pretty girls dipping their feet in the water!

We went on a couple of beautiful hikes to really get a good look at the redwood trees. I was really blown away with the size and beauty we found. It's one more glimpse in the the size and creativity of our Great God, to have imagined and designed such a sight!

Avery peeking around a tree.

Connie snapped this one of Avery and me walking on a fallen tree. Doesn't it just seem like an Ewok will jump out at any moment?? :)

The Libbys and Rowzees in front of (what we thought to be) the biggest tree we came across.

This was taken right in front of our campsite. Really, this trip was one of the most fun times I've had with my family. I'm so thankful we did it and I'm VERY thankful for such amazing friends to share it with! I'm looking forward to many more trips just like it in the coming years!