Camp Out!

Paul had been promising Eli and Micah a backyard camp out for a while. One day, they asked Paul, "When?" So, they put it on the calendar--the first Friday night after Cross Country season ended. Eli, Micah and Paul worked together to make a countdown chain. Paul even had the boys cut out their own links!

 

 They counted down for a long time, but the day finally came!

First, they set up their tent.

 Joshua supervised from inside, but we were told very clearly, "No babies or girls allowed."

 They got a fire going. Eli (in the middle) told Micah, "Sit like this." Then looking at Paul said, "This is how we sit at the fire."

 They had dinner outside, too.

 They got to experience S'mores for the first time!

 Can you see their gooey, chocolatey faces?

 Eli and Micah did great and slept in the tent all night, aside from the few trips inside to use the potty. In the morning, they all came in for some pancakes and Eli said, "Our camp out was GREAT, Mom!" They loved having the extra time with their dad and doing something he really loves. 

The next day, Eli, Micah and Paul made a birthday cake for me! Micah wanted a Christmas tree since I love Christmas and Eli wanted a Blue Morpho Butterfly since they are my favorite butterfly. Paul did both! (And, yes, Paul made the cake and frosting dairy-free, from scratch!) My guys are so sweet!