Last weekend my boys went on a camping trip with most of Daniel's extended family. Even though it rained for most of the trip and was pretty chilly they had a great time!
The weeks leading up to camping Joshua was so excited. We talked and talked about all the fun things he would do, did camping themed crafts, and looked at pictures from last years camping trip.
Last year was his first tent camping experience with Daddy and Uncle Andrew. Since it was all boys he has it in his head that boys sleep in the boy tent and girls sleep in the girl tent. Which reminds me of this funny story. Since I knew the weather was going to be chilly I told him that if he got cold at night to snuggle up to Daddy. Then I told him a story of how when Daddy and I went camping together a long time ago and it was really cold at night so to keep warm I snuggled up to Daddy. In the most shocking way tone he said, "You slept in the boy tent?
Uncle Andrew bought a large tarp when he heard it was going to be rainy. Him and Daniel strung it in high trees so they could have some relief from the rain. Daniel kept saying how this saved their trip.
Joshua wanted to climb up the tree and help.
Their set up.
Daniel said Joshua just loved the canoe.
In Daniel's words, "We gave birth to a natural born fisherman." Joshua caught the first THREE fish of the camping trip. He also caught the most fish! It was while they were out on the canoe and sadly, Daniel didn't have his phone so no pictures of my boys first fish. But please believe me, just because we don't have the poof doesn't mean this is a fish story :)
Petrified Redwood.
A little hike to the lake.
As always, Joshua enjoyed being with Matt and Sarah.
Daniel kept telling me how cute Joshua and River were together. He said they had so much fun together. Joshua told me all about how he showed her his fishing worms.
I have enjoyed all of Joshua's camping stories that he has been randomly sharing since they have been back. Shortly after their trip he was putting on his tennis shoes when he stopped to smell the inside of them and then declared, "My shoes smell like camping boys!" He sure had a blast! When I asked him what his favorite part was he said, "Going to bed when it was dark." I am not sure if that meant sleeping in the tent or if it is because at home it is still light out when he goes to bed. Even though he was exhausted I heard he was such a trooper! Daniel said he would grab a nap whenever he could (short car rides) and even fell asleep driving a short 4 miles down to the lake.
Lastly, here is a neat story Omah emailed me after their camping trip that I want to remember forever.
The first night we were there, we were all sitting around the fire having a great time roasting marshmallows and talking. Joshua was having the best time of all, eating and staying up late. After an hour or so, I got up to get something from my tent after it had gotten pitch dark. I had a tiny flashlight and headed out about 20 yards when I realized I wasn’t on the path. I called back to the group that I couldn’t find the trail and couldn’t see. They aimed their flashlights at me and were chuckling that I got lost in such a short time, when all the sudden Joshua jumped up and said, “I’m coming Omah, I will help you! We’ll find the path.” He forged right through the foliage, that to him would be tall, and took my hand. Everyone called out to walk to the left so we did and found the path. I wish I’d had a recorder so I could remember exactly everything Joshua said, but it was things like – We’re walking together, there’s your tent! I’m not afraid!
I could hardly believe what had happened as I thought about it. My THREE YEAR OLD grandson jumped up to help me when no adult did! It was like God suddenly showed us what He has put in the very core being of who Joshua is. Isn’t that amazing? He put aside any fears or obstacles he might have had and jumped up to help someone, even though he’s so young. I think it was more than just helping someone, but that God was showing us in the natural something about Joshua showing the way spiritually. I think God put a shepherd’s heart in him and that he will just naturally show people The Way during his lifetime, and help them on that path.
So exciting to have God give sudden revelation about Joshua like that! Love, Mama Jill
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