Camping

We just got back on Monday from the best Labor Day camping trip. We went to Tugman State Park near Reedsport, Oregon. And we stayed in a yurt. I love yurts! I love camping! Even camping in a tent makes me happy, but not having to set one up makes me even happier. We were close to the dunes and 30 minutes from Florence....the home of Cleowax Lake. One of our favorite places to hang out. We were blessed with amazing weather. Seriously, it hit 85ish degrees, which is not normal for the Oregon coast. I love sunshine! We spent 5 days having tons of fun and making fun family memories.

Getting ready to go on a FAST dune buggy ride.  Sophia was scared to go, so she stayed with some friends. But I know she would have loved it. It was so much fun and just a little insane! Some of those dunes are really tall and really steep, but luckily we didn't roll and came back alive.

Now Matt is thinking he may want to buy a buggy for our family. I'm not so sure about that.

This is so not camping food, but we discovered this little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant last summer while staying in Florence. And Matt and Tonya do not bypass good, cheap hole in the wall Mexican restaurants. They are always the best! And once again, Los Compadres did not disappoint.

Tugman State Park is situated really, really close to Eel Lake. We tried to go a family bike ride on a trail around the lake, but for a 6 and 9 year old it was just too much. While it was absolutely gorgeous, it was really hilly and rocky, so we ended up giving up and turning back. Just in time for Sophia's back tire to break. It just stopped turning. Something to do with the bearings I heard Matt say. I need to take it in to get fixed.

Eli in our kayak. He was awesome at maneuvering that thing. 

 ( ivy was not happy with daddy after he threw her in the lake. but she forgave him after this sweet snuggle.)

One day we decided to go hang out at Lake Marie near Umpqua Lighthouse. It was so hot! Matt and his friend Robert left the Mom's and kids there so they could go boogie board at the coast...where it was so cold and windy. And only 5 minutes away. It's nuts how the temperature drops so drastically at the Oregon beaches. Thank goodness for the lakes that help redeem Oregon, when the kids just want to swim and have a good time without freezing their patootsies off.

Eli discovered that he really like paddling the boat gondola style. It was hilarious to watch!

I think he might have a future working the canals in Venice.

 (Jane, Tonya, Tami)

The Hot Mama's.

Eli learned the art of Jiffy Pop.

This is how Matt and Rylie get when they are together. Always. Like father like daughter, I suppose.

 (Ivy, Ellie, Rylie)

Talented girls.

And then Rylie and Ellie dared each other to eat the popcorn that just came out of their noses.

Which they did.

( Hippy Sophia)

Sophia found some grass at the beach and braided herself this headband.

 ( look at my cute little man in the boat!)

At Cleowax Lake there's this floating dock that you can swim to and jump off. Eli made it his duty to take people on rides out to the dock. Gondola style, of course.

 Dunes surround Cleowax Lake. It's breathtaking. We spent 7 hours here and the kids were never dry. It was the most perfect day.

Eli asked me if he could take me on a ride in the kayak. How could I refuse?

Ivy and Carly. These two have the cutest friendship.

 Tami and I took Jane on a stroll around the lake. It was a blast. We talked about all sorts of funny things.
Not long into our adventure Rylie and Ellie came to bug us in the kayak. We played bumper boats and threw lily pads at each other. Did you know that lily pads are really slimy!?! Too much fun!

Matt and Eli playing football at Eel lake. 

I love to watch my favorite boys play.

It melts my heart.

Melt.

Building a hot tub. That's what Ivy said.

( sophia's self portrait )

 Happy Camping!

Where are your favorite places to go camping?