Camping...

This week we went camping! About 10 families from our church got together to spend 2 nights at Lake Casitas in Ventura. Our group consisted of 25 kids under 12, a handful of teenagers, 3 dogs, and 24 adults! So fun! Since it was my first time ever "really" camping, I started researching and packing about a week before. I can't believe the amount of stuff one needs to bring when roughing it. =) The campground, while completely dirt, was perfect as it was set apart from the rest of the campgrounds so totally private to our group. Lake Casitas also has a great little water park that was within easy walking distance of our camp. I could have done without the flies but such is life when living outdoors. I'm a fan of camping and can't wait to plan our next trip. Any suggestions??

We left home after church and lunch on Sunday afternoon and after hitting a good amount of traffic and needing to stop at Target because a certain someone, who shall remain nameless forgot her little pink flip flops, we made it in time to set up camp and make dinner. 

The Cases brought along a projector and screen so the kids enjoyed a movie with s'mores before an extremely late bedtime. 

The kids thought it was fantastic to be on vacation with so many of their church friends. The boys were, of course, in heaven just playing in the dirt- I can't tell you how many times I said, "Luke! Stop kicking the dirt!" as a dust ball would go running by. Kate kept most of the girls entertained with her plethora of lip-glosses, giving makeovers at our tent. =)

But don't think for a minute that the girls didn't keep up with boys in the contest of who can get most dirty. Layla did a pretty good job! 

 We spent most of Monday at the water park and the kids had a great time playing on the playground structure that sat in a shallow pool with waterfalls, slides, and jet sprays. We all loved spending time floating in inner tubes down the 1,200 foot long, winding lazy river.

On Tuesday we packed up and took our dirty selves home. It was a great couple of days and, needless to say, everyone was exhausted! A huge thank you to Josh & Nicole Case for initiating and organizing such a fun trip!