Labor Day 2014 - Camping #4

Wow buddy, camping excursion #4! We decided to end the summer with a little camping fun with the Tanner family. We found a nice family friendly campsite halfway between Seattle and Portland - Lake Sylvia Campground in Montesano, WA.

Before we talk about this trip, let's go back and think about the first 3 camping trips:

1. Nottingham Campground, Mt. Hood - May, 2014

This site was Plan B as we were trying to go to the free camping off Barlow Rd. In any case, both are in the shadow of Mt. Hood. It was very cold, and you didn't go to sleep so easily, but you slept through the night. It was a fun first camping trip. With Mom, Dad, Uncles Ben and Mark.

2. Crater Lake - July 2014

Such a beautiful place to visit. We did two nights here. Again, you didn't want to sleep so early, so the first night I ended up sleeping in the car with you. You were ok the second night, but still a bit difficult to get to sleep. With Mom, Dad, & Uncle Ben.

3. Barlow Rd, Mt. Hood - August 2014

This was the first "family only" camping trip. We went to Barlow rd for some free camping and in a much quieter location with no close camping neighbors (so if you were crying, nobody would hear you). With Mom & Dad.

And that brings us to camping #4. 

4. Lake Sylvia Campground, Montesano, WA - August/September 2014
We were really excited to end the summer with a big family camp trip. Having Sarah-chan and Kent-kun and you camping together was great. Lots of laughter and fun times. We had a chance to take a short day trip to the ocean (and a quick stop at a brewery!). We had a lot of fun and you had a nice chance to play outside.

Aunt Mayumi also had a special birthday surprise for you make a special s'mores cake. The Tanner family also gave you some cool gifts!

Sleeping was still difficult for you though. I think maybe you are too excited to sleep so when mama tries to put you to sleep in the tent, you just won't sleep. At night the campground is so quiet, so when you started crying, I brought you to the car with the hope to drive you to sleep. I drove around the camp site, but you were still awake. I then drove around town and then back to the campground, but you were still not sleepy. I finally parked at our camp and stayed in the car with you, but you were so crazy and you were either crying or trying to go everywhere in the car. Finally, around 2am, I asked mama to try to sit with you…and like a miracle, you finally fell asleep. Of course you woke up early, but at least you slept a little.

I know as a baby, it's not easy to go camping in a tent, but I am glad you had a chance to do some camping at a young age. I want you to be happy and comfortable when we go camping.