Labor Day Campout

Adam and the boys have been wanting to camp out for sometime now.  But the summertime is just so hot and miserable here, that I would not agree to attend, especially since this would be my very first time in the great outdoors.  I would have gladly sent them on their way, had they ever chosen to go without Mommy.  With the ever-approaching arrival of H4, I knew our window of opportunity was quickly disappearing.

So, in typical Schwartz fashion, the Saturday evening of Labor Day weekend, we decided to camp out Sunday night in our own backyard.  It seemed the most logical place, considering it to be all but Dad's first time camping (and Mom is 7 months pregnant).  Sunday after church, the entire family headed to Wal-Mart to pick up some camping essentials and groceries.  Then, the "men" went out to gather wood.  They worked so hard!  First, with wagon in tow, they gathered wood from around the lake.  Stopping by the house for a drop-off, they then proceeded to the woods at the powerlines.  After gathering for two hours, they were satisfied with their collection, and began to pitch the tent and build the fire pit.

Dad headed off to evening church while Mom and the crew stayed back to finalize all the preparations. 

Once Dad got home, the campout was on!  No more indoors (except for Mom) until the next day.  We began by attempting to light the fire.  Dad had practiced earlier in the afternoon, with great success.  However, tonight the tinder was not being as cooperative.  After trying with a flint for several minutes and nearly slicing off his thumb, we ended up cheating with an aim-a-flame and some 151 Rum--that'll do it every time!  (Good thing we were 100 ft from the kitchen)

Yes, I really did take this picture, even though it looks fake.

We roasted hot dogs and grilled fish.  We even made Jiffy Pop popcorn.  And what campfire would be complete without s'mores?!  We made some awesome s'mores with caramel/vanilla marshmallows, cinnamon graham crackers, and Hershey chocolate.  Of course the kids mostly liked scorching, I mean, toasting marshmallows.  Houston was a big helper with putting wood on the fire.  He liked making torches.  Hayes was very mellow and sat in the chair trying not to freeze (even though it really wasn't that cold).  And Hawkins bounced between Mom and Dad's lap, sipping on his cream soda.

After all the cooking was done, it must have been around 11 or 12 so we headed into the tent for the night.  We played a few games of Uno (even Hawkins played) and everyone was tuckered out so we hit the sack.  Now I need not neglect to tell you about the sleeping arrangements.  Dad insisted that Mom, being pregnant, should sleep on a cot.  So, Mom slept on the cot, while all three boys slept underneath her (for lack of any room in the tent) and Dad slept on the ground next to the cot. 

The next morning, we all awoke and Dad started on the fire again.  Needless to say, the fire was much easier this time.  We cooked an awesome breakfast of sausage, egg, and cheese casserole in a cast iron skillet.  The boys made burnt toast and Dad brewed some coffee--all on the open flame!

I would say, we all had a fabulous time and look forward to the next campout (as long as we're still in the backyard).  Not quite sure that we are ready for the woods yet.  Although it would be nice to be far removed from the neighbor's yuppy dog that barked all night long!