Adventure #2: Camping, sort of.

Every summer we make a "summer goals" list for the boys.  Owen's is filled with fun stuff, like going to Oaks Park and picking blackberries. Noah's is less fun, filled with therapy themed activities, for example "Learn 2 new ASL signs".
As we cross off goals from the list, one of the few we have left is one of Owen's;  to go camping.  I am just not sure how we are going to manage this one.
 
Noah still sleeps in a crib.  This is an incredible obstacle for getting him to sleep in hotels/tents/yurts, basically anything that is not his crib.  Geoff and I tag teamed sleep during our last hotel stay because Noah was up all night.  I mean, literally 11pm to morning.  So, I wasn't sure how we were going to fulfill Owen's camping goal as a family. 

I remembered the newest state park is not too far from us.  Here was the plan:  we go out as a family and spend the day, and then Noah and I go home to bed and return in the morning.  Brilliant. 

L.L Stub Stewart State Park, here we come!  Located in Buxton, just past Banks and before you get to Vernonia, on highway 47, The park is only about a 40 minute drive from our house.  The park has over 20 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, horsepeople, and even disc golf players.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Geoff just kept saying over and over, "It is so beautiful and quiet here."  Forests and fields abound and Dairy Creek runs through many of the trails.  The park even offers a Junior Ranger program on most evenings and mornings where kids 6 to 12 can be led on a hike by a Park Ranger.  The evening we were there the kids were going on a hike out to a beaver pond.  There are 2 large car camping loops, rustic cabins, a hike-in camp, and a horse camp.  There is a day-use area (with a $5 fee) and a off-leash pet area.  For reservations 1-800-452-5687.

We took the easy way out and rented a cabin.  For one night with service charges we paid $51.  It was so worth every penny!  Our cabin was really cute and not spider-filled like I feared.    With 2 double beds and a twin, there would have been plenty of sleeping room if we all planned on staying.  Our cabin had a table with 4 chairs inside, picnic table outside, and fire ring.

My two fears regarding camping with Noah were that he wouldn't understand staying in our camping area and that he'd dive head first into the fire pit.  He did enjoy roaming a little, but as soon as he discovered the dirt and gravel at our site, he sat down to get dirty.  We watched him close around the fire but no trips to the ER were required.  Both boys enjoyed a long hike (Noah in his push chair) and seeing the horses on the trails. 
No tears, no fussing, no complaining.   We had a homerun, perfect day.  Noah had so much fun, Owen got his wish to go camping.  Noah and I stayed until dinnertime.  He fell asleep before we even made it back to HWY 26.

Daddy and Owen had a far rougher night than Noah and I.  A brief thunderstorm and a irrational fear of bears robbed Owen and consequently Geoff of much sleep.  Noah and I, well rested, returned in the morning for more campsite play and to pack up.  Next year I think we may try all of us staying the night.  If Owen gets over his fear of bear attacks.