4th of July

We had the absolute best weekend camping.  We stayed in an RV at the Jellystone campground in Estes Park.  It was nice because we had our own table, fire pit, and grill to enjoy.  The RV situation was pretty funny...they told me that a pack and play would fit, but it didn't.  We had to fold down the couch and then put it on top of that.  Mason and Evie loved the bunk beds.  They thought it was so cool that they had their own windows and curtains.  We had so much fun listening to their conversations at night and in the mornings when they woke up.

We got to the camp Thursday afternoon, and once we got settled, just hung out there.  It rained for awhile but then stopped in enough time for us to cook dinner and make smores. 

Ready to go!

our kitchen/dining room.  The bathroom is the door at the end, and that ladder is the bunk beds.

We put the pack and play on this couch and our bed is in the back.

They loved these beds so much

Yes it is July 3rd, and I am sitting by a fire in pants and a jacket!  I LOVE Colorado summers!

They loved getting ice cream every day

Friday morning we had breakfast and then headed to the Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking.  We were really proud of the kids for making a two mile hike without complaining.  Mason loved everything about it.  He would jump on every big rock and asked me to take his picture.  Evie did good, but we had to hold her hand the entire way because she kept tripping and falling over everything.  We headed back to the camp for lunch, swimming, and putt putt.  The family next to us had two kids that got along really well with Mason and Evie so they had fun playing.  There was a playground up the road from our camp site, so we would let Mason go and take the walkie-talkie.  He would check in with us every few minutes and then walk back to our rv.  One time he got stuck on a big rock he was climbing, so Matthew had to run down there to help him!  It rained for a good bit Friday night, so we had to wait around under the tent before we could eat or do anything else.

I'm proud of this girly-girl not being afraid to get dirty and fall all over the place!

First attempt at a family pic.  Evie is as cooperative as always.

this one is better

Saturday we got up and went fishing in Estes Park.  It started off slow, but we ended up catching three fish.  Mason caught two of them and was so excited.  He has always loved fishing, and this was no exception.  We had the fish cleaned and brought them home to eat.  Mason even tried it and liked it!  Evie was disgusted.  ha!  We left and went to lunch at a brewery and then headed back to camp.  The campground was so nice and clean and very family friendly.  There was so much for the kids to do.  Saturday night we played bingo, had root beer floats, and went to the dance. After dinner, they got their lanterns and played hide and seek with some other kids.  We did fireworks, made smores, and just had a great night.  The kids were exhausted each night, but woke up ready to do it all over again.  Charlotte was a trooper and just went along with everything we did.  We never heard a cry out of her the entire weekend.

She was so funny casting her line.  She got it down though!

first fish!

This tent has been a lifesaver for us this summer!

Mason started screaming when he realized a fish was on his line

pure happiness!

playing with Rachel, our neighbor friend

He found some boys to play with

Matthew and I had a fun afternoon listening to music, drinking beer, and playing corn hole.  Charlotte liked hanging out with us too!

 We came home on Sunday filthy and exhausted (but completely worth it!)  We are already looking forward to going back next summer.  We are really enjoying having adventures and making memories with our little family of five!


On Sunday night we put the kids down in their rooms and came downstairs.  We started hearing giggles and went up and found them like this.  Mason had gone into Evie's room and got her to come to his bed.  They said they want to sleep together forever.  We let them fall asleep and then moved her back to her bed.  I love their relationship so much.