Day 4 and Day 5
I’m off the grid. So rebellious!
In light of our family camping trip this past
weekend, I’ve decided to combine days 4 and 5. I thought I’d have more time to
write when we were camping, but I found it better to just enjoy the people. So here’s
to a great four days with the best people on earth.
In Retrospect
Thinking back, I don’t know if I ever
realized how valuable our family camping trips were. I remember lots of stress
around camping time. Dad and Mom would be getting everything together, while my
siblings and I asked lots of questions about what to bring and what we’d be
doing. My sister, the sensible, oldest sibling, was always good about helping
Dad and being a rational part of the group. My older brother was usually being
funny and strange, while managing to annoy everyone with his need to just have
some fun. David, the youngest, approached camping with a sweet, compliant
attitude. And me, I was usually somewhere packing oddly matched outfits and
annoying my parents with that common question, “When can we leave?”
We camped a lot, so I have several memories
of nights inside the borrowed camper, playing games and eating candy. Our dad
taught us how to play poker on a camping trip, but we could only use food items
as our wagers. The camper also served as a stakeout location one night as we
rigged a trap for some greedy raccoons. The siblings and Mom crowded together
on one side of the pop-up to watch Dad trick those glowing-eyed critters. I
don’t remember exactly what happened, but I think there was a lot of shrieking
coming from our end of the camper.
Camping always provided fun and community for
our family. Even with the stress, we looked forward to it every time we
ventured out to the campsite. This year, when we went camping with our growing
family, I was reminded of how neat this time together can be.
When we’re outside, cuddled around a warm
campfire, our family just breathes together. We slow down, spend time sharing
together and enjoy each other. With in-laws and babies now, our family only
gets better. And camping only gets better. Having a crazy three year old around
really livens up the party. I
mean, who doesn’t love constant sass and entertainment coming out of a cute,
feisty, little girl?
There’s this warm, inviting feeling when I
think back to our camping days as a young family. I’m very thankful that I see
now how valuable this kind of time was for us. Some day, I’ll continue this
tradition with my family. And hopefully, they won’t hit tons of trashcans when they learn to ride a bike.
First Thoughts
Waking up is difficult when it’s cold enough
to see your breath in the tent. I’m completely content underneath these
blankets. I know when I push them aside, I’ll face the freezing air. But the
sun is streaming in, and I’m convinced the morning is worth a bit of
discomfort.
I scurry out of the blankets and straight
into my fleece jacket. It’s not a great improvement, but it’ll do for now. I
unzip the first opening, quietly tell the sleeping husband I’m up, and head
outside through the next zipper. Thankfully, Dad and Mom’s trailer is about 20
steps away. I hurry inside and see Dad in his chair, coffee close by. We’re the
first ones up – this is pretty standard for our family.
He’s reading, so I grab my own coffee, snuggle
into the couch and open Flannery O’Connor. As I read, I realize this is my
favorite kind of morning. I woke up, though reluctantly, to sunshine. I walked
outside into a brisk, but beautiful day. I sat down with coffee and a book.
What could be better to begin a day?