Family Camp Out/Jarod's 1st Court of Honor

Now that Jarod has crossed over and become an official Boy Scout, he goes camping once a month.  His camp outs are each for two nights and he goes without Dad.  He loves it.  But this month was the annual "Family Camp Out" so the rest of us were able to join him.  Seeing as how I had not done any kind of camping since our 6 weeks in a Pop Up in Oregon, I decided it would be fun to go along.  I will say that as the day approached, I became more and more apprehensive.  Not because I don't like to camp.  I feel like I'm a trooper in that area.  But it's an awful lot of work for one night!  (We couldn't stay two because Russ had to preach on Sunday morning, of course).  But, I will have to tell you that once we were there, all set up and sitting in our chairs - it was just what we all needed.  Sometimes you just have to get away - even if it is only for 24 hours.  A change of scenery is all you need.

Here are some photos of our scenery for the weekend at Osceola National Forest near Lake City, FL:

 Jarod didn't waste any time - he began fishing right away.

 Russ began to set up our tent

 Our little helper

 Anne helped Jarod as well

Hammering in the stakes

 Blowing up the air mattress

 Home away from home

 All set up for the weekend

 Ocean Pond

 Jarod and the other Scouts went out in the canoe

 Cooking dinner

 Swimming during sunset

 Jarod

 Beautiful

 Smores!!!!!

 All tucked in the the night

 Playing in the sand

 Breakfast!

 We went for a morning walk

 Love this little girl!

 More time in the canoes

 Love this pic - watching the water

 More fishing - he had a nibble - but no big catch

 Dinner time

 Court of Honor - Jarod receiving his Scout Badge

 Reciting the Scout Oath

 Receiving his Tenderfoot Rank - Yay Jarod!

 Receiving special patch for participating in 20 mile hike

 Normally Jarod stays both nights for his camp outs.  We had to come home on Saturday so Russ could preach on Sunday.  Jarod wanted to come home - he was exhausted!!!

So was Anne! 

A great time was had by all!

Also this week, Anne had her Kindergarten program at the school.  It was so sweet to hear all the Kindergartners sing!

 Our little singer

This pic is just for fun!  She tucked herself all inside of this box so it looks like she disappears.  Cute!

The kids have 6 1/2 days of school left and then our busy summer begins.  Lots of blogs to come!  Until next time.......