So, the Camp out for me couldn't have come fast enough, it is something I look forward to every year. So we make it up to the park at any chance we get, even if its just days before the big weekend. My Mom had suggested that we take my Dad up for a day trip and for me to stake our campsite for the weekend event. On Tuesday morning, Mom and Dad came through Snohomish and I took them through the model home at the Quadrant site and had lunch. We headed to the Masonic park for an afternoon of pure enjoyment. The Cone's had arrived the Thursday before and had enjoyed the 4th on the river.
So jealous!! We sat around the campfire and visited and eventually took a short walk down to the river. As you can see the girls were VERY ready to play in the river. My Dad enjoyed the day too. We headed home around 5pm and I couldn't wait for the weekend....2 more days!!
a bite of sand...sorry folks....yucky!!!
wading in the river and playing with the sand
collecting sand...collecting water...the project sabotaging has already start.....
GG and Avery with Natale making a funny face...so silly!
The "elders" in our group....WE HEART YOU!!!
OK, So we are too the weekend, the girls and I arrived around 10:30am on Thursday morning. We got camp set up and headed to the river. Most of our friends arrived throughout the day. Joe didn't arrive until Friday, which made Thursday night very hard. We had some arts and crafts that Mama Sue had purchased, which was a big hit and a huge help to keep the kiddos busy during down times. They had paper dolls to color and decorate, play dough, games, coloring books and hats to decorate.
the girls working on a project
Nighttime in the tent.....these were taken after they were asleep on Thursday night, which was the most difficult and the coldest night.
looks so sweet....too bad she didn't stay this way for very long, up and crying most of the night
Shannon (Cone) Bonnell showing off the dog's (Dagger) life vest.
Wanted to share some more pictures with you. These were taken by the Cone family camera. And they shared their link with us. Lots of good times with great friends and family!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/conescottage/sets/72157621415845608/Sweetness captured on Saturday morning....the girls loved playing together....
the cousins in the am
too cute!
The kids played on the swingset and big toy and there were a few tents and lawn toys out in the grass for the kids to play with. We caught Natale playing in the tent...she had so much FUN and had a smile on her face most of the time!!
RIVER FUN......
This is the best part of the day. Everyone heads down usually after lunch and/or naps. Mostly everyone took a dip in the river this year except for Joe. Several of our friends tubed the river with many complaints of 'butt rocks' or of shallow waters. A few water fights occurred with soaking success and a few balls were lost to the rapids.
Auntie Krissy and Danielle floating the river
sandy little girl...
"Mama, I'm ready for the river"
Avery was the most brave out of all the kiddos. She wants to be out in the middle of the river with us.
Mama wasn't quite ready for the river on Thursday.
Enjoying the view and sipping on drinks....
Jonny and his buddies decided to play some Beer-be. You put 6 empty beer bottles on a 2x4 and toss a Frisbee to knock the opponents bottles off.....Jonny kicked some ass and everyone who played got drunk!! Great drinking game and it was also played in honor of our dear friend Ralphie!! We love and miss you!!
Uncle Bubba....a new homeowner and a UPS driver....handsome guy!!
the girls watching beer-be and I think planning out a strategy. And Avery is showing off her hat that we made.
All the kids going wild, wanting to play their own version of beer-be....
Last year I got a great picture of the girls in the tent and this year they wanted to play instead....
We had such a great weekend with our friends old and new and we are so looking forward to next year!!
the girls with GG about to start
GG and Natale taking their turn
our creations....
scooping the GUTS!! 
finished
Not my best work, but followed a pattern free hand...
Avery telling me what to do.....she asked for a princess and I made a lady jack-o-lantern.....jill-o-lantern???
Corrie and Jackson carving their pumpkins....AND thank you Corrie for hosting us!! 
Our finished GAL!! I think of her stem as a pony tail! 
And of course we had to test it!! Spooky!
a bite of sand...sorry folks....yucky!!!
wading in the river and playing with the sand
collecting sand...collecting water...the project sabotaging has already start.....
GG and Avery with Natale making a funny face...so silly!
The "elders" in our group....WE HEART YOU!!!
the girls working on a project
looks so sweet....too bad she didn't stay this way for very long, up and crying most of the night
the cousins in the am
too cute!
The kids played on the swingset and big toy and there were a few tents and lawn toys out in the grass for the kids to play with. We caught Natale playing in the tent...she had so much FUN and had a smile on her face most of the time!!
Auntie Krissy and Danielle floating the river
sandy little girl...
Mama wasn't quite ready for the river on Thursday.
Enjoying the view and sipping on drinks....
Uncle Bubba....a new homeowner and a UPS driver....handsome guy!!
the girls watching beer-be and I think planning out a strategy. And Avery is showing off her hat that we made.
All the kids going wild, wanting to play their own version of beer-be....