One of our new adventures we have wanted to do as a family is to go camping together. So, over the 4th of July, our family (along with Poppy, Nana, Uncle Blair, Aunt Blip, McKinly, & Easton) loaded up our camper (& they in theirs) and headed up to Happy Holiday campgrounds in Cherokee, NC. We were so excited about our family fun camping weekend. And, while we would like to tent camp as part of our adventures, we weren't able to do so on this trip due to the rain we had for 90% of our trip. Nope, not an exaggeration...it may have even been 95% of our trip. Regardless, even with all the rain, we still had a fun time & made lots of memories!
We drove up on a Wednesday. But, due to a late start and arriving while it was pouring down rain, we weren't able to stay on the camp grounds. They were having some flooding issues from all the rain. After attempting 7 hotels with no vacancies, we were finally able to find one. Off to bed we went in hopes for some sunshine the next day. There wasn't really any sun the next morning, but the rain did hold off just as we were ready to make the drive back home (& not camp)...so, we decided to hook up and make the most of our weekend. And, that we did. We jumped in rain puddles, swam in the rain, watched movies, ate junk food, played putt putt, laughed, and played cards.
Here am I...happy in the rain...
...& jumping in puddles in the rain with Brady & McKinly!
Brecken & Easton weren't so sure about the rain at first, so they stayed under the awning with the grown-ups...& gave big smiles. They are good buddies...& only 10 weeks apart!
Sweet Brecken
A very wet Brady
Sibling fun in the rain!
Since it wouldn't stop raining, the younger boys finally ventured out to play in the rain...
...laughing & running!
They loved it!
The Karaffa Grandchildren
First Camping Trip
July 2013
Karaffa Kiddies
Brady & McKinly thought it was so fun to play in the rain without their shirts on...made them laugh a lot!
Happy Camper Brecken
Happy Camper Brady
Happy Camper Me, Averie
On the 4th of July, we had hoped to go watch fireworks and see the parade. But, due to the rain, we got dressed up in our red, white, & blue and just hung out in the camper watching Madagascar. We had fun relaxing while the rain poured outside our camper!
We are on the couch that pulls out like a futon...& that is Daddy & Mommy's bed behind us.
We invited everyone over to our camper for the movie, cards, & dessert.
Happy 4th of July!
Poppy & Brecken enjoying the movie!
Brecken loves Poppy!
The next morning, it finally stopped raining for more than a few minutes. So, we took full advantage of it and decided to attempt to build a fire pit to roast marshmallows at least once!
All the grandkids helped gather rocks...
...while Daddy carried the big ones!
Happy Helper Me
Happy Helper Brecken
Then, we got our chairs all set up in hopes the rain would hold off long enough for a little campfire!
All the cuties are here...All we need now is a fire and some s'mores!
Brecken is ready to see what this camp fire stuff is all about...
...while Brady thinks he's a rapper from the 80's...
...& I snuggle up with my Daddy!
From the parent's view, it looks as if we are engaged in some great conversation. But, what we are really thinking is..."will the rain hold off"?
It did hold off for about an hour, so we all got to roast marshmallows and eat s'mores...yes, at 11:00 in the morning!!
Yummy! The s'mores were a hit for Brecken!!
Then, we decided to walk around for a little bit and go exploring. It didn't last long because it started to rain. But, we enjoyed relaxing in the camper again.
Then, when it was clear again, we decided to venture out and play some putt putt. (Tubing was closed due to the high waters...& so were a lot of other activities due to the weather conditions.)
Daddy helping Brecken...
...& he loved it!
Me, trying to get a hole in one!
Brady focusing on the game as well!
Brecken getting the ball in the hole...yay!
Cousin McKinly
Cousin Easton
(Check out his tongue...so cute!)
Thankfully, there was this teepee around hole #5 since it started raining again. Thankfully, it was just a drizzle, so we were able to finish our game without getting too wet!
Averie Grace
Brady Joseph
Brecken Thomas
Finishing up our 18 holes...& then heading to Dairy Queen afterwards for some yummy ice cream!
Then, it was back to the camper for dinner...chicken, asparagus, and squash for Daddy & Mommy...noodles with red sauce for us. Yummy!
Family Dinner Time
Then, it was jammies and movie time for us while it rained!
Our Camper...all set up!
On our last night, it stopped raining long enough for us to enjoy one evening fire with s'mores! We had a fun time as a family talking, laughing, & roasting marshmallows!
Poppy & Nana
Daddy & Mommy
(with photo bomber, Brecken, as he is enjoying his s'more)
Uncle Blair & Aunt Blip Blip
Daddy & Brecken
Me...I love roasting the marshmallows, but only eating the graham crackers!
Best Buds
Yay...another s'more!
Yummy!!!
Daddy & Brady
And, Brecken chillin' by the fire on the last night!
Despite the rain, we had a wonderful time together and we are already looking forward to family camping again soon! And, maybe next time, some of us can tent camp while we are away!
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