The Five-Year-Old Camping Trip

The final birthday celebration: camping in the N's backyard in Tennessee. When we pulled into the driveway, the N kids and the B kids surrounded the car chanting, "Iain, Cory, Iain, Cory..." The boys thought it was hilarious. I thought what a weird family I have. :)

Friday afternoon, Aunt Steph took the kids for a ride in the trailer that I rode in as a kid, as did she, making it a three-generation trailer. They, of course, loved it.

Meanwhile Cassie and Laina walked around in the sunshine.

Laina was pretty much in heaven with so many people to walk her around. I don't think she stopped walking the whole night.

After that, we had a cookout over the campfire. Sam built the fire, much to my boys' amazement, and we have had countless discussions about Sam's fire-making ability since we got home. (That's Sam in the red shirt, FYI.)

Then we headed inside for the party. (What?! THAT wasn't the party?! Oh no. That was the warm-up.)

Iain had requested a Cars race track on a cookie cake. Ok, thought I. No biggie. Then the night before the camping trip, he told me it also needed to have a pit crew, a Dinoco tent, and a helicopter. :) I drew a sample Dinoco tent for him to approve, and he said it was not up to par. So he drew me one, and showed me how the Dinoco helicopter was to be landing on the tent. He even wrote Dinoco on it so I'd be sure to remember. As he was going to bed that night, he said, "Remember Mom. Dinoco. You can look at the King if you need to remember. Dinoco. Got it? Remember it, Mom. Dinoco. Ok?" (If you aren't quite as well-versed in Cars as we are, Dinoco is the sponsor that the cars all want to have. The King is a race car currently sponsored by Dinoco, so he has the words printed all over him.)

Anyway. Here was the result, and Iain said it was just like he imagined it would be. Phew!! (Thank goodness he's easy to please, if rather specific!)

When he blew out his candles, he made his wish out loud (so cute.). He wished for another Lightning shirt to wear. Aunt Steph handed him their present:

Meanwhile, Laina walked around with Nan and Uncle Randy:

(such a cute picture!)

The boys/menfolk slept outside in tents that night and had a great time. And we all got hot showers in the morning. Nice camping trip! :) On Saturday, we went to Bald Creek Falls (I think that's the right name?) for a picnic lunch, a hike, and some playing in the (very cold) water. It was a beautiful day.

We had such a nice weekend with the fam and the great outdoors. Thank you to everyone who came and partied down with us, and to the Ns for hosting the camping trip. It was Iain's dream come true. :)