backyard camping

One of our kids favorite summertime traditions is backyard camping. Everything about it, from shopping for our first tent, to setting it up, to the actual excitement of sleeping outside, is sheer joy for them. 

For Oliver it is another opportunity to show his skill at understanding directions. Regardless of the difficulty level he always loves putting things together and taking them apart...and when the adults are looking a little confused, trying to remember all the steps tent set up requires, he is often ahead of us.

Then there is the the fun of seeing how they decide to set up the interior, and what they choose to bring. Peeking through the tents windows or doors and seeing them enjoying a good book or conversation is a great reminder of how much they love the simple things in life.