First Backpacking Trip with the Kiddos

John has been looking forward to taking the kids on a backpacking trip for years.  He decided that this would be the summer and he and Roger took them to Coast Camp in Point Reyes.  Its only a couple miles in so it was completely doable and the kids had a good time.  Darragh was the only one not to wear a pack since she had broken her collar bone 6 days earlier and was healing.  Nathanael and Grandma Ava walked into camp with them and had dinner before walking back to the car and I had the pleasure of running into their camp in the morning to hike out with them.  The kids did great!  Everyone had good attitudes and carried their packs with pride.  The only surprising thing was that they had a very hot night sleep.  One would expect pretty cool if not cold weather on the coast at night in northern California but it was almost too hot for bags.  This is the first of many trips like this for us all.

Judah is eager to head out on the trail before everyone is ready.

Papa and Grandpa packing gear.

It is quite amazing how dirty these kids can get in less than 24 hours.  Judah was literally laying in the dirt with his backpack on looking for quails (they were everywhere) and lizards.

The only group photo we got of the campers...at least Darragh was paying attention!

One of my favorite images from my morning with them.  They held hands and Grandpa explained how not to kick dust while hiking the trail.  I could see Judah trying to comply but it was an internal struggle I am sure.  

Hiking with my little broken bone girl.

Darragh took this one.

We always end our trips with a bath and a naked tea party.  Sounds perfect!