Aiden's First Camping Adventure!

Aiden's first camping trip, 3 days over 4th of July at  Cape Lookout State Park, was a HUGE success. He was smiling ear to ear from the moment we arrived until the moment we left (minus a few tear-fests in between).

He ate dirt, sand, sticks and rocks. He learned all about campfires, camp stoves and camping chairs. He saw the ocean for the first time. He hiked to a beautiful waterfalls called Munsen Creek Falls, and took a nap on the way back to the car. He sat in big boy chairs and made friends with all the doggies at camp. He wrapped Ms. Yvette around his little finger. He hung out with his friend Mikey as they took in the sights and sounds of the beach. He watched the big kids run, fly kites and ride bikes. He snuggled with mamma and pappa when the air got crisp and crawled around in just his diaper when the sun was out. Here's a few snapshots of the trip from various cameras and fellow campers:

We borrowed a HUGE 8-person tent from our friends which allowed for lots of 'indoor' space to hang out in. If I was forced to pick a highlight of the trip, it would be Aiden in the 'morning time' as the song we sing in the mornings goes. "Wake up my sleepy head, Let's get up get out of bed. Get up, Wake up, It's morning time!". He starts smiling about half way through the song, and it's a sure-fire way to beat any morning grumples which he often has. But, not while we were camping! Aiden would rise bright and early with the sun (when we were still quite sleepy) so we'd put him down and let him loose. He would cruise around the tent in his cozy bear pajamas (a hand-me-down from cousin Lawson) glowing with happiness to still be camping. David and I would lift our heads to check on him if things got to quiet (or too loud) and this is what we'd see...the happiest little baby with bear ears peaking up at us.

 
I realize the following montage is overkill of the bear outfit. But someday when this post is buried behind many other posts, I will be so glad to remember the many faces of our happy, morning bear.

After three days and three nights of camping bliss, we were ready to head home. Aiden's hair was frizzy, greasy and full of sand. His face and mouth were full of dirt, soot and sand. But Aiden was still all (dirty) smiles, determined to figure out how all those big kids made this bike go so fast!

Aiden certainly made the most of his first camping trip, and we look forward to sharing many more with our little ourtdoorsman.