another first

This past weekend we went to a unusual 'despedida' for some friends of ours who are moving back to Quito in a few weeks. Actually, he's moving back... The wife and kids are moving there for the first time. It's an amazing adventure for me and an incredible learning experience for their kids to learn Spanish and see a whole other way of life. We'll miss the Salvador family but we'll see them in Quito next year!

Anyway, that's all to say that when we asked Shannon what we should do for their going-away, in addition to a party in a couple weeks, she suggested going camping. I was hoping for "glamping" (glamorous camping anyone? It's a 'Real Housewives' reference) but no dice. This was roughing it in the wilds of Union County with 12 families - something like 40 plus people - most of whom were under 4 ft tall. Fortunately we had cots to sleep on and Emi slept in the little tent the boys got for Christmas with her friend Ruby. I was predicting disaster but the kids l.o.v.e.d. it. They loved being dirty, going on nature walks, the marshmallows and s'mores, the hot dogs, and just generally running around being kids. We were fortunate enough to have enough "big kids" that they could watch the little ones while the adults got some time to visit.

I didn't take my big camera so I only got a few quick shots...




camping prep - testing out the sleeping bags in the living room



Emi and Ruby. Girlfriend LOVES Ruby ever since we went to the beach with them last summer. These two brave souls slept alone together in Emi's little tent.









insists on long sleeves. Ugh.











Javier proved himself to be quite the ladies man. Yikes.

Fun times. Sadly for me, Emi has hounding me about when are we going back (though she fully freaked at it was time to go to bed once the sun went down). Guess we are investing in a big fat tent - and a lot of glow sticks!
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