This weekend we went on a family camping trip. We were
invited by our friends to go with them. When we started the journey of living
in Japan we both agreed that we would do our best to accept every opportunity possible.
Despite Sean being partial to indoor sleeping arrangements, he jumped at the invitation
to camp for his first time!
I personally have camped before but mostly when I was a
teenager and I didn’t worry much about anything other then what I was going to
wear. This was an entirely new experience for me however, because I had to think
through how camping looks with a 10 month old.
Lucy was an absolute champ. I was most worried about how she
would sleep and I think she slept better then Sean and I combined. She didn’t seem
to mind the change in sleeping arrangements one bit. I am pretty proud of her
and how she so easily adapts to all the situations that she is in. Her biggest
frustration these days is her desire to always be down walking around and
exploring. Our biggest challenged in letting her explore without injuring
herself or ingesting rocks and living creepy crawlers.
Overall camping in Japan wasn’t all that different then back
in the states. We all packed up our cars and caravanned to our destination.
Everyone pitched their tents and we started a fire. The kids ran around and we grilled
food and ate to our hearts content. When it got dark we did fireworks and made
treats on the fire. We stayed up late, laughed and listened to music. In the
morning we had pancakes, breakfast sandwiches and hot coffee. It was peaceful
and perfect.
On our ride home Sean and I were overwhelmed with gratitude
for the friends we have made here. There is a special group of people who have welcomed
us into their intimate little clan and we are so very thankful. I honestly don’t
know what we would do without them. This weekend is going down in the books as
a Kelley Camping trip success.
