Camping Trip to St.Francois State Park

Well Opal really liked the idea of going camping for her birthday, so we gathered together and a few families decided to join us. St. Francois State Park is on the Big River, so we got to swim a little. Opal actually floated down the river in her life vest with us. She loved it. And Iris loved playing around in the shallow water.

So proud

After the river, we went back to our campsites, which were blazing hot. We cooked some brats and hot dogs, ate some salad, chips, and fruit, and we sweat and sweat and sweat. Here was one time when the adults complained much more than the kids.

Opal and Charlotte eating dinner.

Iris and Lexi eating watermelon. Iris really loves watermelon.

Opal with her marshmallow for smore making.

Opal and Iris loved the tent. In fact they both loved it so much that they could not sleep. We had to drive Iris around in the car to get her to sleep and then transfer her to the tent. Opal finally konked out around 10:30 or so. This was our first time camping as a family of four, so we had to get a new tent - it's a big one. Nice and roomy and the girls slept great.

In the morning - which was Father's Day - we played in a beautiful Ozark spring fed creek.

Ashley, baby Lydia, and Lexi.

This is about how all the kids felt on Sunday morning. Tired, cranky, and whiny. We were all ready to get in the car and let them fall asleep on the way home. And they did. At one point I was driving and both Opal and Iris were asleep in the back of the car while John was asleep in the passenger seat.