Camping "Maughan-ster" Style

Back in August, we were fortunate to be invited to go camping with some of our favorite neighbors, the Maughans.  

Growing up we seldom went camping as a family, but when we did I always loved it.  Our camping included tents, smores, sleeping bags, exploring, and simply enjoying nature together. 

Some of my favorite memories of camping were with my Aunt Vicky and Uncle Bob.  Each summer they would take me with them camping at a lake in their camper trailer and we would play on their boat all day long.  How I LOVED those trips.  The memories that were created and the love I felt, are the reason that I petition my husband every six months or so to buy our family a boat. :)  One day. :)
  
I also loved going to Girls' Camp each year as a youth with our church (LDS).  I think I probably belly-ached about going prior, but really loved it deep down. :)

Today I have such a love of nature.  It truly moves me.  I notice it.  I revel in it.  I feel inspired by it.  And grateful to God for it.

Trev was raised with a deep love for nature as well.  So naturally (pun-intended) when we got married we decided that our family would be out-doorsy.  In fact, as newlyweds we had a tent and camping tote that we would throw into the back of our truck at a moment's notice and head to the mountains to camp for the weekend.  We want to enjoy this beautiful world together and the appreciation and admiration for it was something we definitely wanted to pass on to our kids.  

So we are a nature-family.  We point out "gorgeous-alerts" when there is a stunning sunrise or sunset, we hike, we camp, we visit national parks, and we take nature walks.  Our kids soak this stuff up.  Our plan to share our passion with them has totally worked.

This summer, like every summer, we have camped and enjoyed nature.

But this year we had a whole new amazing experience by being invited to camp with our neighbors!  This is how they camp...

And OH MY is it ever fun!!!  In addition to be being enveloped by beauty, we had the time of our lives playing on all the toys meant to be enjoyed in this gorgeous setting. :)

I kept telling Trev and our friends how lucky these kids are and how they have NO IDEA how fortunate they are to have experiences like this. 

We were in heaven!

Here is how we spent our weekend.

Are we lucky or what??!!!  Thank you Maughans for an unforgettable weekend.  We LOVED how you guys camp! :)  I may have to add 4-wheelers to my list at our bi-annual boat discussion. ;)