Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Backyard Camping

I always loved camping as a kid, but am not much of a fan now that I'm older (there's something about being alone in the woods with nothing but a thin material protecting us that doesn't really appeal to me. Not to mention the comfort issue). But I would love to go camping for the sake of my kids because I know how fun it is to run around exploring and getting dirty. I thought camping in our backyard would be a great compromise. It was a success in the eyes of the kids, they loved sleeping out there and have begged to do it every night since. It was fun to see them so excited about it, but now it's my turn to complain. We bought this tent when we first got married and I can't remember the last time we used it and I swore it shrunk. We put the twin sized futon mattress in it and there was about 2 feet left. Jason was nice to let me sleep on the mattress, but after about the 10th time waking up with both kids on me, I decided I would have preferred the hard ground. I woke up exhausted with a sore back, but the fact that the kids loved it made it all worth it!

A couple other side notes....I had my first appointment and I loved hearing the heartbeat. It's just as exciting the third time around as it was the first. I'm feeling so much better now, yay!

Jayden has been very preoccupied with what he wants to be when he gets older. He'll find inspiration in the oddest places. It doesn't matter where we are, he'll see somebody interesting and start contemplating his future. A few of his aspirations include, "maybe I be Miss Andi" (his teacher), "maybe I be a worker", "maybe I be a girl", "maybe I be a fireman", "maybe I be a mom". We'll be driving down the road and he'll spot something outside and ponder, "maybe I be a tractor", "maybe I be a bird". I'm glad he's keeping his options open (although he informed me that the only thing he would "neber, eber be" is a booger. Good to know that I won't have to worry about that anymore.), but I have to admit that my favorite so far is "maybe I be Jesus, Jesus Young". The innocence of a 3 year old, I love it!

18 comments:

Kathi said...

How did I manage to be the first comment?? :) You beat me on the doc's appointment, I'm going in next week. You are a trooper for sleeping in the tent at all :). Don't you love Jayden and Brans age, they are so funny!

Jodee said...

Awe, I love it, Jesus Young. That is just about the sweetest thing. I love how honest they are and how nothing can stop them from being what they want, even if it's a tractor, or the opposite sex!
Way to be a trooper with the camping! I am SO glad you are feeling better!

DAVE AND CANDACE BOLLARD said...

I can't believe you can camp outside at this time of year. I also can't believe how much fun you had on your girl's trip. Now I see why you let Jason come for the snowboarding trip every year!

Kelly said...

Hearing the heartbeat is the best. Even now at 39 weeks, I love it! It's the best sound ever.

Janessa said...

Jesus Youg, that is too sweet. I love that he is considering all options. Way to be thoughful about the future! I'm so glad you're feeling better. I'm glad all went well with your appointment. I agree, that heartbeat is exciting every single time. The backyard camping sounds like a lot of fun, well for the kids anyway. You guys are such great parents. We can't wait for some camping weather here!

Alisa Larson said...

Okay, that is so funny that Jayden talks about what he wants to be. His options really are wide open! Too cute. And I'm so glad you got to hear the heartbeat. It almost make me cry thinking what a miracle it all it.

Michelle Y. said...

That is too cute about him wanting to be Jesus. What a sweet boy. See you tomorrow! You are so good to go camping with the kids in your backyard, what a great idea.

Rachel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rachel said...

Camping outside...please...it is snowing here today. We can't be friends anymore.

PS-Don't tell Jayden he can't be a girl when he grows up. A boy can dream right? That is seriously funny.

Sheba Price said...

That is why I don't like camping! My back always hurt! It looked like the kiddos had fun! Jayden is so funny! Cute post!

Marisa said...

What a hilarious story!!! I love, love, love that darling story about Jayden. It was hilarious!!!

I've been out of blogging and also am so glad you got to get away to Florida with friends. So much fun!!! You all look awesome as pregnant people. I wouldn't be caught dead in a swimsuit photograph pregnant--but you all look amazing! It sounds like you had a blast. Don't you love girls trips? I loved the oscar speech, too!

Chelsea said...

Awww, cute Jayden! go you for camping out despite the comfort issues, what a good momma. I keep saying we will do that too & it would have been good for my kids to get a trial run, but we kinda need a tent, huh!

kemptons said...

Camping in the backyard huh! You really would do anything for your kids! What a fun set of parents those two have.

Suni said...

Now that is my kind of camping! Actually for Christmas we got a lot of camping gear so this is our year to start camping! I love Jayden's thoughts of his future...so cute!!

Selena said...

It's been awhile since I've visited...Congrats on #3! You do such fun things with your kids, they are so lucky to have such a cool mom!

Rohm Family said...

Jesus Young- he is so funny :) You are a trooper to sleep outside with the kidletts. I remember when we tried the backyard camping- I don't think I'd ever do it prego :)

Nichols Family said...

Ahhhh! Ha ha! Jesus Young, now that's a classic! Love it.

Brooklyn said...

jayden is a DOLL! Your such a great mommy! And I love your girls trip pics. Your adorable, and I am so happy you got some R&R