{ward camping}

We always put camping on our summer bucket list every year. This year a sweet family from our ward, The Kepler's, hosted a ward camp out three separate times throughout the summer. Since our summer was full of craziness we were only able to go once but it sure was a blast and we can't wait to go again! 

Once we got there we set up our tent first. There was a short spout of rain but after a few minutes hiding out in the tent it passed and the weather was perfect after that! After we set up camp the girls headed off with daddy and some friends to go exploring. They found the lake and ventured off in the kayaks.

 They also came across some wildlife which from the pictures you can tell our girls weren't too scared of!  

 After they got back from their adventures we made our dinner over the campfire - hot dogs! We're not too ambitious when it comes to cooking while camping. We opt for easy at this season in life! 

We then spent the rest of the night eating s'mores, sitting around the campfire, letting the kids run around and play, and enjoying being with friends. One of the best parts of our church is the 'family' it provides. Although we see each other at church once a week and at different functions at other times it's the times like these that you really get to know one another better and become closer. We have been here for seven years now and I cherish every opportunity I get to be with these people who are amazing examples, wonderful friends, and truly family to us. 

Our kids ended up going to bed great (that is always the worst part about camping) so Justin and I got to spend time with the adults sitting around the campfire listening to guitar music and chatting. 

 Being pregnant and sleeping on an air mattress in a tent isn't ideal but it ended up not being too bad - even with this one cozied up to us the entire time!

We ended the trip with a yummy pancake breakfast complete with all the fixings and playing outside. It was absolutely perfect and we're already looking forward to doing it again next year!