Camping and Making Friends

It’s been quiet on the blog because we have been away camping and having a lovely relaxing time.

I’m not sure how relaxing it was for the kids. They played hard all day, they made friends and ran with the crowd, they swam, bounced, rode, chatted, shouted and laughed. They had a ball but they weren’t relaxing!

We stayed at a caravan park that had a bouncy pillow, swimming pool and water playground. Just perfect for the remaining hot days of summer.

What I found interesting was how in the freedom and relative safety of a caravan park, at early evening time, kids of all ages would come together. They would congregate at the bouncy pillow and play game after game together. There were no fights, arguments, tears or tantrums. There were also no parents involved. The kids negotiated, gave their opinions, considered the capabilities of the little ones and in general acted as one cohesive group. Ages ranged from 4 years old – 16 years old.

Camping Fun with Mudpies and SunshineZoe loved playing with the little Irish boy who was in the campsite next to us. Isn’t it great when you have the whole bouncy pillow to yourselves?

It was also Mr Sunshine’s birthday – so we went all out for his birthday cake. Took me hours to make ;)

Birthday cake Mr Sunshine with Mudpies and SunshineWhenever the water playground was “on”, Ebony was there. Waiting for the water buckets with Mudpies and Sunshine

One time I went underneath the buckets with her and the anticipation is palpable.  Screaming is compulsory under the buckets. Zoe loved them too!

Water playground with Mudpies and Sunshine

I love this pic of Zoe taking a break against the tent whilst watching the other kids on the bouncy pillow. Yep we were right next the bouncy pillow. Kids thought it was christmas!Watching the fun with Mudpies and Sunshine

So we had fun. Mr Sunshine had a relaxing birthday. The kids got to enjoy bonding with new kids and playing on amazing equipment. And we all can’t wait to pitch the tent again. But reality is good too – this morning Zoe asked if there would a craft waiting for her when she got home from school.  Yes! Paint and celery here we come :)

Have you been camping lately? Do your kids enjoy it? I would love to hear your experiences.

Thanks for dropping by!

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Backyard Camping

As most will know, kids are on school holidays and there is alot of free time available. It’s during these times I love to see what the kids will turn their hands and their imaginations to.

Last week I was asked “Mu-um, can we please go camping in the backyard, ple-eease?”.

And here they are – my intrepid little munchkins.

BackyardCampingwithMudpiesandSunshineThey have slept in the tent overnight twice already. Help I can feel the apron strings loosening… Nope it’s not about me. Good for them. They are having a ball in the tent – so far hours and hours of outdoors fun. In such a small space :)

Do your children like camping in your backyard? Or setting up camp in your lounge room?

Thanks so much for dropping by!