I like camping, really, I do.  I like being outside. I like creative cooking off propane, coals and a portable bbq.  I like afternoon naps and the peace and quiet.

But I must say, I don’t love it with a 2.5yr old.

They add a certain amount of chaos to a peaceful scene.  They add drama (like busting your scalp on the “campsite rock”) and in their efforts of keeping up with older siblings, they tend to run off a little.

Ok, they run off a lot.  Like all the time.

We have done 8 days camping. I am exhausted. I am dreaming of being settled again. I smell of campfire and I haven’t had a hot shower in a week.

I woke up this morning and looked at my hubby’s furry, overgrown face and smiled my sweetest smile and said “ I am all done camping now”  He smiled back and said, “ok”

So, we cleaned the trailer, returned it with a smile and a brain (and camera) full of fond memories and got a hotel room. A hotel with a pool and a big shower.

I kind of feel like I wimped out a little, but with the kids all smiles again, exhausted from 2 hrs swimming and everyone smelling sweet and the little dude locked in a room he can’t escape from,  I know we have made the right choice for today.

Tomorrow we hit the mainland again and bunk in with my parents.  One week left until we move… I must stop counting days, and hours and minutes and seconds.

But time seems to drag when you are waiting.