We contemplated doing both nights of camping on this first trip, but Matthew had work until 7 or 8pm and E and I were going to be just getting back from our Western tour, so we thought one night would just about do it.
Saturday morning we loaded the car up and headed towards Keuka Lake State Park. Matthew wanted to bring the bikes just in case we had the opportunity to take a ride so he also installed the bike racks on the car which took a little longer than we anticipated, so we left a little later than we planned. On top of that E decided she was sorta kinda hungry so we had to stop and feed her even though the drive was only 90 minutes. She has still been a little off on her feedings since coming home, so it has been slightly frustrating the past few days because sometimes I can't tell if she is hungry or tired.
When we got to the park Mere, Curtis and their two kids R and M were down at the playground by the lake. We decided we would join them right after setting up our tent. When we got to the campsite Matthew started to unload and set up the tent while I took care of E. I went to pull her out of the car seat and as is her new norm, she had blown out of her diaper. (We truly don't know what we are doing wrong in the diaper department. We've tried several different brands, changing her often, making sure the flaps are out, everything, but it continues to happen. We have even tried changing her positions when we hear her start to grunt, but she seems to be able to blast through the diaper no matter what we do. She is just very powerful!)
As I was changing E and Matthew was finishing with the tent, Curtis drove up and said that he was sent to grab swimsuits and lunch stuff. When everything was gathered we jumped into the car and followed Curtis back to the lake. It was a beautiful day; it was hot and sunny, a perfect day to swim. We found out the lake was around 70 degrees so we knew from past experience that it would be a bit too cold for E, but Mere, Curtis, Matthew and I took turns watching the kids and taking a dunk.
Matthew and I were a little under prepared for the lake water because we forgot our water shoes and the rocks weren't so kind (I actually cut my foot), but it was still fun once we got to where we were buoyant enough not to touch the bottom. Another mistake we made was that we slathered E in sunblock, but failed to do the same to ourselves. I didn't burn too badly and it was already starting to turn into a tan by the time I woke up this morning, but Matthew got pretty red, especially on his head.
After swimming we headed back to the campsite to get a fire started so we could cook dogs and roast some corn for dinner. When we realized we didn't have quite enough wood, Mere headed to town to get some. While she was gone Curtis and R decided to fill up some water balloons. When she came back they tried throwing one at her, but it didn't break! With the rest of the balloons we did a balloon toss and then got started on dinner.
Matthew and I were in charge of dessert and we love S'mores but we recently saw a post on Facebook that convinced us it was worth trying to roast chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and fruit inside a waffle cone. The first try was a bit of a fail since we burnt the cone, but we learned fast and it was a yummy twist on S'mores.
After dinner, Mere and Curtis offered to hang out with E while Matthew and I went on a short bike ride. It was close to getting dark and I haven't been on a bike since the end of last summer so I didn't want to go far, but it was a wonderful ride. First we rode out of the park back to a viewpoint we passed on our way to the campsite. It was a beautiful view of the lake. After taking a few photos we decided to follow the main road that was inside the park. The road ran right by the edge of the lake and it was a great view especially as the sun was setting. We had to turn around after only a little distance because the road was closed off, but I was okay with that because the entire ride back to the campsite was uphill. At one point I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it so I sent Matthew ahead to go grab the car while I kept slowly plugging along. In my head the distance back to the campsite was much longer than reality. When Matthew realized how close I was he stopped and encouraged me to keep going. It was hard and I'm sore today, but it was good to get back on the bike.
We were planning to play games after the kids were put to bed, but Mere and Curtis actually fell asleep and after about 45 minutes or so, I convinced Matthew we should just clean up. He cleaned up the campsite while I put E down for the night. Matthew and I were so excited for E to use the sleeping bag that his sister Liz gave to us. It was still a little big for E, but a stuff a blanket down in the bottom, wrapped her up in her Snuggle Me and placed her in her carseat. She slept all night! Right before I put her in the car set. I was putting her clothes from the day in a bag and when I turned around there was a giant Daddy Longlegs Spider on the side of her face. I pretty much freaked out on the inside, but I didn't want to scare E so a quickly grab the onsie she had been wearing and smashed the spider. After getting her to sleep I went out to help Matthew. He was already finished and just loading a few things into the van so I sat by the fire.
When Matthew was done he headed to the restroom to brush his teeth and change into PJs. While he was gone Curtis woke up and joined me by the fire. He apologized for falling asleep, but I told him there was no need to feel bad, it had been an eventful day (especially with 2 kids). When Matthew came back we sat and talked for a little while and then I headed to bed while he and Curtis stayed up admiring the stars awhile longer.
We got a fairly early start in the morning because we wanted to make it back home in time to go to church at 1pm, but we didn't leave before having a yummy pancake breakfast. Mere said it was the first time they were trying it over a campfire and I have to say they turned out marvelous. Curtis even attempted to show us his awesome pancake flipping skills (it was better than I could have done). We had a great time and we can't wait to go with them again in August.
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