The Gates Girls: Camp. Explore. Dream. Discover.

This past weekend we traveled to the limits of my camping zone (3 hours away to go camping is almost too far...) to go to a new park we heard was gorgeous. These people didn't lie. Garner State Park is amazing. I'd go back anytime - maybe for a longer stay!

This camping trip is our first of 3 for the short spring camping season and we were all excited. The beginning of spring break greeted us with a yucky tummy bug for the kids, but luckily it passed quickly and they were all healthy by Thursday when we left.

We were packed to the brim and headed out! The park had literally zero cell service, so our phones became simply cameras when we got into the park area. This was a little stressful for Todd related to work stuff, but was also a welcome break with reality. The area is huge and has 500 campsites - all which were booked up for this weekend. For good reason - the weather was amazing!

We were camping with some friends (my girl scout co-leader, Erin, and her family - Russ & daughter Emmy) and they arrived shortly after we did. We set about getting tents pitched and everything unpacked and quickly started feeling at home in our little spot. The kids were off adventuring immediately.

We took advantage of the new-ness of everything and just relaxed the rest of the day around the campsite. Games, conversation, yummy beverages, s'mores, and great friends made for a fun afternoon.

One of Halle's classmates was camping at Garner State Park in a different area and they stopped by to hang out and play! The girls were SO EXCITED.

Historically I have not been able to sleep well while camping - it is the worst part of the entire thing for me. I decided to hand over the over-night kid duty to Todd so I could hopefully relax enough to fall asleep. Success! Made for a much happier experience overall!

The next day our plan was to head out to go hiking and fishing after breakfast. In the lazy camping way, breakfast took until about 1030 and we were finally on our way. Our site was surprisingly close to the river and the kids were delighted to explore a new area.

Lia waiting on the adults to get ready... haha

The kids all worked hard painting this big boulder near our site and Erin went back to write everyone's names on it. Don't worry - it is washable paint!!

After lunch, Erin and I took the kids to the playground and letterboxing.

We were unsuccessful at finding our first letterbox, but trudged on and were able to find the 2nd one. We had to count 191 steps (great counting lesson!) and climb up a pretty steep hill to get it, but it was worth it!!

Emmy's first letterbox find!

We headed back to camp and found this note from the guys - complete with a map. Hello old school communication when you have no phone service!! haha

The kids wanted to go join the guys and headed down to the river to play.

The water was FREEZING cold but Lia could not resist!!

Halle's friend, Brooklynn, and her family came back to spend the evening with us. It was great having so many friends around!

Notice where the ball is... we need more practice at this game...

Blurry, but that's the whole crew!!

Emmy's dad was super smart and brought a mini "play tent" for the kids - it was a total hit.

The next day brought more of the same plus plans to hike to a cave. It was sort of drizzling off and on but we continued with the plan (with ponchos in hand!) We also brought our own letterboxes to hide along the way - so if you are ever at Garner State Park, look up the "Unicorn Series" letterboxes and go hunting!

Erin was a little speed demon up this super difficult hike!

The cave!!

Inside the cave

We stopped for a snack of grapes which the kids quickly pointed out that they were shaped oddly "like butts" as Lia said. Hilarious giggles erupted from there... Butt grapes. Gotta love it.

The hike was challenging, amazing and super fulfilling. I love that each girl got to plant their own letterbox and I think it kept them motivated to keep going. This hike was basically straight up and then straight down. Only .75 miles in all, but my legs felt that hill!!

Afterward, the guys headed out to find a new fishing spot on their own and we stayed and hung out with the girls while recovering from our hike (read: drinking mimosas)

This was Emmy's first experience camping - she loved it and enjoyed that you can "get as dirty as you want to when you are camping!"

I tried to teach the kids a cup game that I remember playing at game. Everyone does the same rhythm and the cups are passed around the table. It was a valiant effort but a little too advanced for them...

Lia is always looking out for the animals - the "skwurls" enjoyed their snack. :)

The guys were gone for longer than we had expected and the kids were getting hungry... Pancakes for dinner!! Who needs burgers when you have pancakes!?!?!?!?