Family Time

Our first camping trip was over 10 years ago.  Adam was just a baby.  We spent the night in a tent and we were miserable.  We had joined some friends at the last minute and we were unprepared.  However, the boys had a great time. Despite the cold, uncomfortable (and long) night, we decided to give camping another try. 

The guys at the top of Lover's Leap above the Natural Tunnel

We took our small tax refund check and bought a tent, camp stove, lanterns, and a few other basic supplies.  We were ready.  

Checking out a pig at Martin's Station and discussing the economy.

Since that initial camping trip, we've bought and traded a pop-up camper and two fifth wheel campers. We've visited 22 states, many historic sites, and state/national parks.  Almost all vacations are planned around our camper.  Adam once asked if we could go to Hawaii.  I told him probably not because the camper would have a hard time crossing the ocean.

We've traveled solo and with other families.  We've put many, many miles on our truck.

Zach, Adam, and Clay at Martin's Station in Virginia (Oct. 2009)

While the trips have been memorable, the best thing about camping is the time we spend together as a family.  Now, I'd be less than honest if  I left the impression that our camping trips are always filled with "smiles and happiness."  They're not.

We have our fair share of grumbling, (one particular incident at Yellowstone will forever be ingrained in my memory) but we also have lots of laughter and happy times. We've visited many beautiful places together.  The word at the end of that sentence is the reason we enjoy camping.  Together.  

I love the quote..."We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."  

That sums it up for the Williams family.  

Cumberland Gap-Fall Break

Pinnacle Point

We packed up the camper and headed to Cumberland Gap, TN this past Friday.  A weekend spent with family and friends.  No alarm clocks, no football practice/games, no after-school jobs, no homework, nothing but relaxation and re-connecting as a family.  

Morning hike with Adam

It was a beautiful place.  

Building a fire

I brought the camera with me on our Labor Day camping trip.  I was just too lazy to take any pictures. 

I did manage to snap a few of Adam trying to build a campfire.  

Then Bob stepped in to help.

When I compare this picture to pictures taken less than a year ago, I'm stunned by the difference. 

No more boys at my house anymore.....only young men.

Christmas Camping

This weekend, we packed up the camper and headed to our favorite camping spot.  It was COLD!  Friday night the temperature was in the 20's with a steady wind blowing.  

It warmed up on Saturday and we spent the evening at the campfire with lots of good friends.  Our Sunday School class joined us for our annual Christmas Party.  I'm not sure everyone enjoyed sitting out in the cold around the fire, but we had a good time.  

We've camped for several years with the H family.  Our kids have grown up camping together.  As we walked past the creek,  I to commented to Cat that our kids had spent many hours playing in the water.

  

This creek is the best babysitter in the world!  

Here's a picture of Adam and K  enjoying an early morning camp fire.

I look forward to more camping trips with the H family.  We have many more memories to create, and laughs to share.