We're going on a bear hunt, we're gonna catch a big one! We're not scared, what a beautiful day!

We did it. We took a toddler camping and lived to tell about it. I love the outdoors. Specifically, I love sleeping in a tent and walking through a forest and eating hot food from the fire. I like the smells and sounds. I like seeing bears and deer and marmots. Also I like the gear. One of the great surprises of my marriage is that Les loves to camp, too. I didn't know that when we got together. So it's my intention to force my children to like camping, too. Two nights in Sequoia National Park was the first one's introduction.


I know the horror story that could have been involves all night screaming and angry neighbors or broken clavicles miles from the trailhead or mysterious rashes that appear on kiddo's legs. But none of that stuff happened and none of it was close to happening. Instead, we had a little unexpectedly cold and wet weather, which she didn't mind a bit. She's got dirt to sit in, rocks and sticks to play with and lots of wildlife to point at. What could be better?

We were so thrilled with the trip, we're planning to camp in Morro Bay in August and back up at Sequoia NP in September. Hurrah!

Also, we had Tina and Adam with us and Maddie loves them both. They were a huge help. Thanks friends!