As you know, we've only taken one camping trip as a family and that was to a camp ground near our house on a lake in August. So this trip up to Carpinteria, a camp ground on the ocean just outside of Santa Barbara, over 3 hours away, was going to be a big undertaking. And after a few hiccups and a lot of packing, we got on the road. A little late so we sat in traffic going through LA and the kids got a little restless. Here's Tatum making the best of it. :)
Because of the later start and the traffic, we pulled into the camp ground at 6. Not much day light left so Garrett and I jumped to it and tried to get the tent up as quick as possible. That was comical and soon we were all wearing head lamps so we could see. After having trouble with the tent and then taking a few hours to blow up our air mattresses because I didn't read on the new air compressor that it needed to be charged 12 hours before the trip, we finally got things together and all got to sleep around 11. Only to be awakened a few minutes later to large raccoons getting into our cooler! They got the eggs but missed the steaks, thank goodness. We learned to put all our possessions either inside the truck or under heavy items in the back cab. :)
In between the chaos, we were able to roast some hot dogs though. I love this messy head lamp face.
Brrrrrr, it was a cold night and a cold morning. But we were up with the sun and enjoyed checking out the beautiful ocean. As we were watching the waves, dolphins came up, a pack of them, Ty and Tatum were so excited! Ty kept yelling shark, I was hoping no one would hear him and freak out since it was pretty early and still quiet. :)
Leanne and Isaac joined us that afternoon and we all headed down to the tide pools to find some fun creatures.
The kids loved this and wanted to go back every day we were there.
Isaac enjoying the low tide.
We happened to be there during the Avocado Festival so we walked into town and enjoyed some craft booths, wine, delicious chips and guacamole, and some dancing as you can see.
The kids enjoyed a bounce house area, always a fun time.
There's a cute park just outside the camp ground on the way to the town so after the festival, we stopped for some more fun.
Grandma, Jane and Barbara drove up to Santa Barbara to visit Vivian, Barbara's sister. They all joined us at the festival and then came back to the camp ground for a delicious bbq.
Garrett was our chef and wow, he rocked it!
A bit of a cold morning.
It was a bit cold when the kids got up, and so quiet, that we put them in front of the DVD players in the car. It kept them warm and quiet while we sat by the fire with delicious coffee.
We all enjoyed a fun day on the beach.
And the seals came out to visit us on some nearby rocks. So pretty.
After we braved the showers, we walked over to the park again for some more fun.
And then enjoyed another delicious meal from Garrett, surf and turf. The kids loved the smores the most of course!
Ty was exhausted since napping is impossible in a tent with no pack n play. But he powered through so he could get his smore, but you can see how tired these eyes are looking.
I love this picture. All three kids had these cute camping chairs and they looked like such little campers, sitting by the fire. Ty's about to pass out, I think he nodded off shortly after this shot. What a wonderful camping trip, can't wait to make it a tradition!
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