The Vans Down By the River: Camping at Pine Lake State Park

We have been wanting to go camping with our boys for a long time. Last summer we weren't able to so this summer we picked a weekend and planned other events around it. ;)

We went to Pine Lake State Park in Eldora, IA. They have a really nice campground and we enjoyed being outside. There is a lot of fishing, but that's really not our thing. They also have a lake to swim in. The beach was nice, but the water was pretty gross. We had fun swimming anyway. I think the boys enjoyed the sand more than the water.

Brent and Sue joined us on Friday night for dinner. Sue stayed overnight in her little tent and kept us company on Saturday. It was so nice to have Grandma Sue stay with us. We appreciated her conversation, her sense of humor and her willing hands. Thanks Grandma Sue for all your help while we camped. Sue left after dinner on Saturday evening and Jonathan, Asher and I enjoyed a bon-fire before bed. We woke up on time on Sunday morning so Jonathan could get to church on time to teach.

We had a great weekend. It's a lot of work to camp with the two little boys but it's so nice to be outside and enjoy God's creation. And thanks, again, Grandma Sue for all your help!!

Phin getting tired watching us set up camp

our campsite

Grandpa Brent and Grandma Sue brought their excavator; Asher is still small enough to sit on it and dig

the boys had fun playing in a dishpan of water with measuring cups, rocks, grass, sticks and spoons; that's Asher's serious face ;)

on Friday night we couldn't get the fire started because after sunset the wood got so damp;
we started on Saturday afternoon getting the fire ready so we would be able to roast marshmallows

we had a great time cooking "camping food" - food always tastes better outside;
Friday night - grilled brats, grilled sweet corn and fruit
Saturday breakfast - English muffin French toast topped with fresh peaches, eggs, and grilled bacon
Saturday lunch - BLT's (with leftover grilled bacon), chips and fruit
Saturday dinner - grilled pork chops, grilled garlic bread, grilled veggie skewers