Big Bear

My summer is one month over, and Kent and I wanted to get away and go somewhere. After looking over our summer "what-we-want-to-do-list" we decided on a camping trip. We looked around on-line and settled on Big Bear since neither of us had been there before, and it was just a two hour drive away. Well, one of those hours is spent driving straight up the side of a mountain to around 8000 feet, twisting and turning, and me white-knuckling the door handle while praying silently and breathing deeply. This was our first stop. We pulled over so Madeline could puke which brought back so many of my own childhood road trip memories.

After we arrived at the campground and unpacked, Kent taught Madeline how to whittle so she could make her roasting-marshmallows-stick, and Sophie rolled around in the tent, hiding headfirst in her sleeping bag, and repeating "Try and find me! Try and find me!"

Just the two of us. We can make it if we try. Just the two us. You and I.

We walked around the campground and down to the lake the first evening . . .

Then we settled around the campfire to roast hot dogs and steam peppers and onions . . .

And Madeline chose to bring her books, making the teacher in me happy.

On day two, we did more walking. The girls were inseparable and insisted on holding hands wherever we went. I seriously can't believe how much they play together and enjoy each other's company.

We played at a little beach before heading back to LA. Leah met some new doggie friends and played a few games of fetch.
Nothing like a little getaway to help you relax and recharge.

Being in the great outdoors.

Spending time with my family.

Having nothing to do but relax and enjoy the company of those I love most.

I love camping,

and I love my summers.