Camping at Uncle Rudy's

Aren't families the best! We spent Friday evening and Saturday with most of David's siblings and their families, first at Rudy's and then at Grandpa Rolfs' home. It was our second annual family camp out at Uncle Rudy's and it was even more fun this year than last year. We love going away with people we love who love us in return.

Friday night we enjoyed laughing around the campfire and making s'mores. We then survived a cold night in a tent. It dropped to 40 degrees. That may not sound that bad, but when you're sleeping in a tent - well, it's pretty chilly. I kept snuggling Mary closer to me to share body heat, but she only goes to the top of my legs so my feet were freezing. At this point, I decided to seek out David's feet since he's a human heater. I kept putting my feet on his feet or legs and he kept moving them (he denies this, of course). But, despite the fall-like night, we survived and woke to a beautiful, crisp morning that warmed up quickly with the sun. Breakfast over an open fire was very fun. We cooked pancakes and sausage, but forgot any glasses for the orange juice, so we had bottled water instead. Dennis had brought a canoe so David took Dennis, Abby, James, and Kate to the river access 1.4 miles north. The kids all piled onto a trailer so Rudy could pull them behind his tractor to the river to watch the others come in. An hour later, we were still waiting for them to arrive. Apparently the river was pretty shallow further up requiring several portage opportunities for the canoe crew. The kids at the river had a great time waiting, spending that hour getting wet (of course) and collecting shells. We now have LOTS of treasures :).

From Rudy's we all went to Grandpa Rolfs' home and had our traditional lasagna. I have to say the Rolfs' family makes the best lasagna I have ever had and Saturday was no exception. We managed to clean out two large pans in a matter of minutes. The afternoon was spent sharing many conversations with my sisters-in-law who were up there. What a great group of women! My kids loved playing with their awesome cousins (aren't cousins the best), and my husband hung out with his favorite people: his brothers, Dad, and Uncle Rudy.

We came home tired and so very happy. Too bad days like this can't go on longer. Families are the greatest gift God gives us. I love being a member of two huge families (twice as lucky!). I love the love that flows to and from us and all around us, especially when we're all together. I love our family. Thanks guys for making our lives so much sweeter!