Ahhh

We have returned from a wonderful, fun and relaxing weekend of camping.  Oh yeah, and a quick trip into Chicago to the American Girl store.

This was the first time we had been camping just the four of us.  We usually go with friends or family, but this year the family trip didn't work out and I have been dying to go back to Indiana Dunes ever since the first time we camped there in 2005 BK, before Kate.


We had already been planning the camping trip when I realized how close we would be to Chicago.  I knew Callie had most of the money she needed for her doll and it all came together perfectly.  I was about to bust Saturday morning!  I had made sure that they had suitable clothes to go shopping in and told them we had a surprise and they needed to put those clothes on.  Then we went for a little drive.  They were dying to guess and after awhile I couldn't stand it any longer so we gave Callie a card that had come for her earlier in the week that had some birthday money in it and that also contained a clue.  There weren't loud squeals, but two very excited and happy girls.

Back at the campgrounds that evening we took a trail down to the beach of Lake Michigan.

Who needs Florida?  It's hard to believe this is a lake.  The waves are not near as big, but my favorite part of going to any beach is walking along and just relaxing and listening to the sound of the waves.  It is the most relaxing thing in the world to me.  I'm never ready to leave.

While everyone else was wearing long sleeves and jackets, here is Kate in her swimming suit.  We had taken it just in case for both girls.  The water was absolutely freezing and the air cool even though the sun was shining nice and bright.  Kate could care less though.  She loves the water and begs to play in it no matter what the temp.  We only let her get in up to her knees and she mostly just ran in and out and played in the sand.  She really wasn't cold until we went to the faucet to wash her off and that water was really cold too.  We got her into her clothes quickly and she was fine.

Callie even managed to work in some ballet.  Until she realized we were watching! :)

The weather was perfect all weekend.  Cold at night, cool and sunny during the day.  Everyone loved it.  We definitely plan to go back!