Pinery Camping Trip

Our camping trip got off to a bit of a rough start this year. We were scheduled to leave at Noon on Wednesday. Sebastian had been struggling with a really bad diaper rash for the past few days, so while we were loading up in the morning we let him run around diaper-less. This is the best way to let a little's ones skin heal. Usually I wait till they've filled a diaper and then let them run free for a bit to avoid any accidents. Unfortunately, Sebastian's digestive track seemed to be on overdrive and we were kept busy cleaning up his poop and pee in the midst of our packing.

We had been working toward refinancing our home, and it came through just in time--before our interest rate lock expired. Unfortunately this also meant that we had to fit this document signing appointment into our morning as well. The great part was that with Quicken Loans they come right to your house for this.

Finally we got everything and everyone loaded in the Suburban. Poor Sebastian was crying because it was an hour or so past his nap time. I went inside to get our passports as the campground is across the border in Canada. We always keep them in the same place, but, of course, they were not there. After looking for 10 minutes I honestly started to panic. All our planning and preparation would be for nothing if we couldn't find these documents. I went out to tell the kids what was going on. Luckily Sebastian had fallen asleep. Emma suggested we say a prayer to ask for help. She did and then I went back inside. Within a minute of going in Jeff called down that he had found them, buried under a pile of things in our closet! I never would have found them there, and I have never been so grateful for divine intervention!

We hopped in the car and...
...the car won't start!

Sebastian had been playing in the driver's seat while we had been loading up and the lights had been left on. Thankfully we had jumper cables in our other car and could jump the battery. Needless to say we were all VERY relieved to be on our way.

This year three other families were joining us at the Pinery. Unfortunately one of them got stuck at the Canadian border and had to turn back. They hadn't remembered to check their passport expiration dates, and one was expired. We were very sad they couldn't make it. :(

We had a great time with the Jensens and the Jensons though! We had planned ahead and took turns with some of the meals, so it was really nice to cook less and enjoy everyone's food! The first night we just did a hotdog/bratwurst roast.




 
Camping wouldn't be the same without our hammocks! All the kids love them. Too bad Jeff and I don't get to use them more! :)  This year the three girls were in their own tent next to our giant one. They loved it!

In the morning we all couldn't wait to head for the beach on Lake Huron. After breakfast we packed up a picnic lunch and hiked over the sand dunes. I love the spectacular first glimpse of the lake.

 We live in such a beautiful world!

This beach is the main reason we come here to camp. It is so beautiful and we spent most of the next 3 days enjoying it.

 Sebastian LOVES the water! He kept putting his face in over and over again.

 These beaches are not crowded!

 This year we brought an inflatable boat and tube. They were a hit!

 All the dads worked with the kids to make this cool sand castle.

 Lunchtime!

 Jeff created this neat balance beam that was challenging for most of the kids.

 Sebastian managed to fit in a nap in the backpack.

Back at the campsite the kids found a number of huge caterpillars. Sebastian was enchanted!

 

We certainly enjoyed lots of good food!

We all had campsites right by each other, so once all the kids were tucked in we could sit around the campfire and visit with our friends. There's nothing like good company and a crackling campfire!