We Did It: Tent Camping with Two Kids

We just returned from a weekend of camping in Fort Ebey State Park near Deception Pass in Washington State.  It was our first attempt at tent camping since having kids.  Luckily we had the H family with us so we could get our bearings and ride their coat tails.

View from the bridge at Deception Pass

Our new instant pop up tent.

It was not all sunshine and lollipops on this camping trip.  I mean really is it ever all sunshine and lollipops?  We were camping with not one, but two 2 year olds so there was a lot of head shaking followed by a no or  a no way.  Those two year olds decided Saturday night was party night and both were very resistant when it came time to sleep. We had a defiant four year old along for the ride, so there was that.  I had a battle of the wills with that same four year old and her walking stick and it would be generous to call the battle a draw. At night the Schwartz Chronicle family all slept on the same queen size mattress which is not comfortable for anyone over the age of four.  Unpacking isn't that fun.  Last night our house looked like a campsite that had a few too many cold ones and threw up.  So really why did we do it?  Why would we do it again?  Why when I look back on the weekend do I start thinking about when we can do it again and where the hell can I get another air bed for dirt cheap?

Here are some of the reasons that it was all worth it:

Watching the kids play together and make up games outside.  There were explorer games, chasing games and games that involved catching escaped babies.  In preparation for the camp fire, they collected leaves to put into the fire.

Sitting around the campfire is one of my favourite things about camping.  The kids liked it too, especially when the marshmallows came out.

The fresh air, the outdoors and the evening sunsets made a pretty spectacular package.

Our camping buddies.

Mr. Jack in silhouette.  Check out those eyelashes.

An afternoon at the ocean where the kids played and we enjoyed the air, sun and water.  As Michelle said,  "Isn't this the best?  This is what summer is all about."

Josh catching some waves.

Jack was afraid of the loud waves, but thought it was funny when I got my feet wet.

The kids loved catching things in their nets.  It was usually rocks and sand, but an adventure all the same.

Emma and her chicken wing digging in the sand.

I love this photo of Jamie playing in the water

Look, I can take a photo once in a while

Spending the weekend with good friends who understand that a morning Starbucks is a must also made it worthwhile.

*Already noted for next time, group photo taken at the beginning of the weekend when we are more clean and less greasy.
** Where is Jack you ask?  He refused to be in the photo and was in the car watching a movie.  How old is he?  Oh that's right, he is two.


How do you feel about tent camping with kids?