The Miller's Memories: Summer Camping

Nathan works really hard, long hours during the school year which most people don't believe because when the kids aren't actually at school, then what could anybody possible have to do, right?! Well, do ever say that to a teacher or administrator. They work there tails off, at least Nathan does. Anyway, the Month of July that he has off, really balances out all the hours he spends at work. So to start the month of fun, we went camping with the Martins.

Who's ready to go camping?! The car was jammed pack full of sleeping bags and pillows and stuffed animals and coolers, etc. We have 5 kids and a small mini van. I promise Kylin's packed in there somewhere.

We were able to purchase a larger tent that would accommodate our big family. The last time we went camping, we had 4 children and a 2 person tent. That was cozy. So first, we need to clear out the camp space to set up the 14x14 foot home away from home.

We were all really excited about this 3 room tent. We all planned who was sleeping in which room. I forgot to take a picture of the inside after all was said and done. Just imagine a bounce house. The tent was filled to every end with a port-a-crib, 1 full sized blow-up mattress and 4 twin blow-up mattresses.

Now all Nathan needed was this portable hammock and we were set!

So here's something that my kids lack. Tree climbing skills! In the newer parts of Vegas, you don't find many great trees for climbing. I can remember climbing trees all the time back in New York. We would climb the tree out in front of my house and the pine tree in front of the Rebanals all the time. I guess it's one of those things kids don't get to do living in the desert.

Some of my friends and family were surprised to find out that we were going camping with friends that do not have kids. Well, they don't know how great the Martins are!!!!! Thank you for remembering to bring lots of games and then playing them with our kids! You guys are the best!!!!!

Mark got creative after awhile a decided to play Connect 4 with his eyes closed. Way to shake things up.

The most exciting part about this whole trip for me was the anticipation of what Mark was going to cook in the Dutch Oven for Dinner.

We had this beauty for dinner -Chicken Pot Pie- it was toooo good! and for dessert - Cinnamon Cake!

and for the rest of the night - Roasted Marshmallows, Smores and Roasted Shrimp

Props to Nathan for the Dutch Oven Breakfast - Sausage, Eggs and French Toast with bread from Great Harvest. I think the best part of the whole trip was the food. Because it definitely wasn't taking the girls to the outhouse 100 times and listening the Andrew fuss the whole night.