Backyard Camping

As I write this Dash and Daddy are bonding - camping in the backyard. It's a bit of a tradition which began when Dash was four; they pitch the little dome tent in our backyard, stuff it full of sleeping bags, pillows, torches and board games and then settle in for a "boys night". That first time I brought them out cookies and milo; this time we are all out of milo and cookies. So they're roughing it, sort of.

Actually they're in the Big Family Tent this time. Next week we're off camping (for real, all of us) so Daddy decided the tent needed airing out. We also probably need the practise putting it up - you know - to (hopefully) avoid those public camping ground "marital discussions" you tend to have while attempting to pitch a tent and look after umpteen kids at the same time???!! (Yep, we're taking a few extras with us). Anyhoo, I digress.

We pitched the tent (had a few minor marital discussions); we played some family games in it (charades, Trouble), had a BBQ and after the youngest two were tucked up in bed, out went The Lads for a bit of bonding and board games.

Ahhhhh, and now for me a night of peace watching girly movies. Bliss. Go boys, have fun camping!

P.S. If you're wondering why our tent floor looks so fab, it's a camping trick I copied off a friend: woven plastic Chinese (or Polynesian) mats, approx 2 metres square; they only cost $18 each from a Chinese trader, feel lovely and soft to walk on (plus adding warmth) and best of all, the sand filters right through them - so no gritty sandy tent floors. Oh yes, we are in luxury now, boys!