Noah's First Father/Son Campout

Yesterday Noah and Nate went up to Jenkinson Lake for their first Father/Son campout.  It was also the first time Noah has slept anywhere but a crib, so we felt like it was a bit of a gamble.  But rolling these dice paid off, and they both had a great time.

In fact, the first thing Nate said when he called as they were driving back home was, "He was so good.  He was so, so good." 

Noah stayed close while Nate set up the tent, and inspected it when he was finished.

And after that it was time for dinner, exploring and fun. 

Noah sums it up by saying, "Sticks and rocks."

But he also reported to me that he went on a 'hike' with Daddy and Braeden (our neighbor and Noah's big buddy) and found, "Big ants, siders (spiders), and beatle."

Once the campfire was going, they feasted on 'moshmewwos' (marshmallows) and made s'mores.  Noah loved throwing pine needles into the fire.  We're pretty sure he was the youngest camper there, at least from our ward.

And then it was bedtime.  Indeed, Noah was so, so good, but he set a new bedtime record: 11:30.  He was in the tent long before that, but closing those eyes and falling asleep wasn't easy.  They read books and Noah was quiet, but he'd sit up every time he heard a sound.  Eventually he slept, until about 2 a.m., when he said, "Hold you Daddy," and climbed into Nate's sleeping bag.  Maybe he was cold, who knows.  Nate found himself quickly getting squeezed out of his bag, so he left it for Noah. 

So did he sleep in?  Of course not.  But can you tell that this is the face of a guy who woke up, with just six hours of sleep, at 5:30 a.m.?

He was happy, and he loves camping -- just like his dad.  Noah and Nate walked down to the lake and threw sticks and rocks into the water.  They had 'pacakes' and eggs for 'bwekast' (breakfast).  And shortly after that, they were headed back home.

I wish I had been there, even just to watch.  But I settled for a big 'monster hug' when they got home and a two year-old's summary of the events.  I realized quickly after they left that Noah is kind of like the soundtrack of our family.  The house was entirely too quiet without him there.  I definitely prefer hearing things like, "Hi sweetheart Mommy," bulldozers being driven, and little feet running in the house over all of that quiet.  I'm sure glad it was one night.  And it's a good thing I have years to prepare before I send him off to scout camp, college or a mission. :-)