Neighborhood Camping

Last weekend we went on our second annual neighborhood camping trip. This year we headed just east of White Pass to the Silver Lake Campground. There were 10 (I think) families in attendance this year and once again it was a blast. The weather was lovely, the lake was beautiful and the company was grand.


Upon our arrival we were called by the swarm of kids to "check it out!" There were thousands of thumbnail size frogs, just hours old (from the tadpole to froggy stage), trying out their hop and making a break for the lake. At first glance there was nothing remarkable to see on the shore. But sure enough, once you got close to the water and down on the ground, it was the most amazing sight! You had to watch where you walked or you would squash some of these tiny frogs. Sadly, there were some froggy's that had this unfortunate fate.

Peyton was fascinated, but also a little fearful. After all, he was outnumbered by these little hoppers.


In the past few weeks, Peyton has taken independence to a whole new level. With his fearless attitude he is sure he can do any and everything himself. He tells me in actual words daily, too. "Peyton's turn." "No Mama, no do that!" "Peyton do all myself."

He's a tad reckless and dangerous around water and has a tendency to just wander off to somewhere interesting, without looking over his shoulder. He does this in part because he's just interested, I think, and in part because he just thinks someone will always be there to catch him. As someone who is always looking over her shoulder, calculating every step and pondering every plan for the utmost safety, I find this as amusing, as I do frightening.


So, where is one to put an over-tired and fiercely independent toddler when they set up camp; a camp site with an enticing trail that leads right to the muddy lake shore? The trunk of the car of course! Turns out it was a great decision. Peyton helped us unpack in no time and had the food and beer ready for us once the tent was up. Good thinking, Tae Boy! He's obviously camped with us a time or two already!

Part of his independence has been fueled by his newest skill of climbing out of his pack n' play (his travel crib) on recent adventures. So far, he stays in his crib at home. But away from home is a whole new ballgame.

This began midway through our week in Whistler. Luckily, with the exception of one wild night, Peyton is tired and willing to give in to sleep at the end of the day. But, when he wakes up in the morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed, he's ready to escape. Nap time is no different. The light, the noise, the anticipation of new adventures, the promise of new discoveries in new sleeping arrangements and now the key to freedom is just too much to keep Peyton inside the pack n' play. As you can image, we have had some long days recently and a very tired kiddo on our hands. This camping trip was no exception.

Wishful thinking: With fond Whistler memories and equally frustrating images of Peyton climbing right over and out of his pack n' play with ease, I bought a sleep sack for this camping trip for extra warmth (Peyton doesn't keep blankets on at night) and was hopeful that the reverse zipper would deter him from undressing and climbing out of the pack n' play for good (or at least this trip...perhaps the first day...even just one nap...please)!

For 15 quiet minutes at our first nap attempt, I thought I'd really outsmarted him. That is until I started hearing his waves (a traveling white noise machine we use) turning on and off. We couldn't believe what we were hearing. Well, we could totally believe it, we just didn't want to. I had hidden the waves across the tent from Peyton in a mesh pockets. It was a clear indicator that Peyton was indeed out of his crib and on the loose in the tent. When I peeked my head in I was only slightly more surprised to discover that his books were all tossed out of their bag, the diapers were thrown throughout the tent and Peyton had been quietly playing for most of the 15 minutes we thought he was sleeping. Not only did his sleep sack not work for more than 15 minutes, it clearly didn't stay on for more than a couple of minutes AND he was thrilled that he was able to undress and once again climb out on his own!

Nap issues aside, Peyton was a very happy camper and we had a wonderful time. How could we not enjoy ourselves when Peyton had an entourage of big kids (mostly girls) ready to attend to his every need?