Dirt, Bugs and Rattlesnakes, Oh My!

BEAUTIFUL HUH?

We went camping! Grandpa Bang invited us on a camp out up near Young, Arizona and we gladly accepted! We've been camping with Elly a couple times before, but this was our first time with both kids. They were GREAT. A little tired at times, but slept all night and had lots of fun getting dirty and running around. Here they are in their snazzy camp chairs. These were perfect.
Andrew and his Dad setting up our awesome two-room tent! This was perfect. We put the kids on one side and us on the other. Elly was so excited about it that after we put Owen down she begged to "sleep in the special tent with Owen"...so we happily abliged!

Elly was a big helper on this trip. She always tells me "I a good helper!" and she's right. Here she is making sure her brother stays hydrated. This one kills me. Owen loves to be pampered.

Here she is helping with the tent. She LOVED swinging that hammer. Notice how no one is standing anywhere near her :)

My rugged men! Owen spent the whole time running and falling, running and falling and consequently eating a lot of dirt and trying to eat bugs! There were three of the nicest dogs at our campground and he spent the rest of his time chasing and petting them. He was in little boy heaven.

Elly spent the whole trip at Grandpa's side. The little bag she's holding has "gold" in it. Grandpa would hide it for her and she would hunt for gold!

Checking out the creek with Grandpa. I swear I heard a rattlesnake walking on the little path down to this creek. I was with Elly and snatched her up and just kept right on walking. No need to wait around for confirmation!

The camping Bang family! This was a great chance for us to spend some good outdoor time together. We don't get a lot of that in Arizona in the summer.

Thanks Grandpa for the great trip! We had a fabulous time and can't wait to do it again over Labor Day!

Just one of the girls too. Elly is my sweet heart.