This past weekend we loaded up the monkeys, and headed out into the Tahoe National Forest to make memories. We camped at a new-to-us location at North Fork Campground which is located along the North Fork American River in the Tahoe National Forest.
It was a beautiful secluded campsite in the middle of nowhere. The campground was small, only 17 sites, and was full of friendly families. It was a great weekend.
Being out in nature… in the middle of nowhere is a breath of fresh air. I kept looking up during our time there and was amazed at the wonders of Gods creation, the smells, and amazing wildlife sounds.
One of our children was not a an of the bugs (neither was I)… but we were able to still have a good time amidst the flying creatures around us. The flying creatures were just small bugs that were more annoying than anything… the minor annoyance was quickly forgotten as the exploring and adventure began.
We spent a lot of time exploring, hiking, and playing balance games as we crossed fallen logs around the campground.
These two monkeys thought they were extreme athletes to cross this log, multiple times, without falling in the creek sized river.
Yes, I was there too… a selfie with mama while exploring the maze of fallen logs around the campground.
Making memories, and teaching little boys to be men… Daddy attempted to teach the boys how to start a campfire.
Sitting back and watching the boys at work, I sat back and enjoyed a cold beverage. For some reason beer tastes better when camping.
When we go camping, I actually find myself doing less cooking. It is wonderful. Perhaps I do a lot of the prep and planning at home, so when we get to the campsite very little is needed to be done. My husband and the boys eagerly take on this role and cook up hotdogs, beans, and smores.
While the boys burned cooked the hotdogs, I sat back and started reading a new book, Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence. So far there are some amazing convicting truths to this book. I will share a full review when I finish.
The boys each had a turn cooking the hotdogs and warming their marshmallow for smores. Even Daddy had to get in on the roasting marshmallow action and showed the boys how it is done. He roasted a beautiful golden marshmallow that was quickly devoured by Big Daddy.
Not only were their faces covered with smeared marshmallow and dinner… but oh the dirt they managed to collect from exploring… they were covered! I guess that means they had a great time, right!?
When we weren’t eating (which it seemed we were always doing) we were exploring, hiking, and finding adventure. The hiking trail to the waterfall was right by our site. We found ourselves playing on the trail often during our time there. We hiked to the falls twice and even beyond for some amazingly breathtaking views.
When I am out in nature in its natural habitat I am always in awe at its beauty. I also always wonder what the early settlers thought as they came to this land. I could have sat here for hours. Just sitting, listening, and breathing it all in. It gives me peace. Makes me calm. Makes me happy.
Throughout the entire weekend, I was mindful and thankful for the reason we celebrate Memorial Day. Because of the soldiers who gave their life to serve to protect our country… and gave their life… I honor those who are no longer with us today.
I hope you had an amazing weekend with your family and friends!
Janice - Fitness Cheerleader says
FUN! I love camping, but my hubby hates it. I usually take the girls once a year with my room mate from university. Unfortunately her boys are now 12 & 9 and have little interest in hanging around with 8, 6 and 3 yr old girls 🙁 I’m glad you had a great weekend!
Rachel says
Camping with an old college friend (who also has children) sounds like a great time! 🙂 My husband and I both were raised learning to love camping and the outdoors… so I think that helps. However, camping WITH children does make for adventures that are not as romantic/relaxing as camping with friends solo 🙂
Hilary says
I always remember going camping with my family and church family when I was younger. I loved hiking through the woods and exploring it was always such a great time!
Rachel says
Yes! That was my childhood too! So fun! 🙂
Ganeeban says
If I ever had kids, I feel bad – this lady won’t out there camping with them 😉 haha! Looks like they really enjoyed it, as did you!
Rachel says
Haha… I wont lie that I would LOVE to GLAMp more often than not… but camping in the wilderness DOES make the boys (and this mamas heart) happy. 🙂
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More says
I love hiking, but camping is just not my thing. Maybe on occasion with a RV/trailer that includes AC, electricity and water. Hiking, on the other hand, is something we do often. Can’t get enough of it!
Rachel says
I remember camping with my family when I was young, in the midwest… when it was 100 degrees and 100 percent humidity… wishing I had an RV with AC/Dish/Electricity. LOL
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry says
I grew up in Lake Tahoe and we camped all the time and did everything outdoors. I so wish I were a “camping chick” now. My poor kids will never get to enjoy this unless I just do it. Hotel rooms and hot showers and Lake Tahoe beaches are the closest we get to camping now a days 🙂 Such a fun weekend for you
Rachel says
Confession: I would LOVE to have your version of ‘camping’… GLAMping is what I call that. It sounds SO calming and peaceful! 😉 I bet you actually get REST on your vacations 😉
Crystal says
It looks so beautiful and serene out there. I don’t think I could handle the bugs, though.
Rachel says
Haha! The bugs were not THAT bad… but enough to put on bug spray. They were just a minor nuisance… but yes, still yucky bugs. 🙂
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
We haven’t been camping in a few years, and it’s high time we get our gear out again. I miss being out in nature like that!
Rachel says
It will be a new adventure for you camping with little ones… but they will have a blast! There are some great spots in the STL area (I think I remember a few spots we camped near when we lived in St. Charles). 🙂
Heather says
I love camping. I can’t wait to get out into the woods this summer. We have one trip planned with a group from our church already.
Rachel says
Yay! So fun! Our church usually does a yearly church camp out… which always looks like SO much fun! 🙂
GiGi Eats says
Aw! I remember when I was younger and used to go camping a lot! Memories I will NEVER forget! 🙂
Rachel says
Yes! Me too, Gigi. That is our hope that our boys will look back on these memories with fondness. 🙂
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says
How fun is that? I love the dirty knees – the dirt will wash off but the memories will last forever 🙂 As a military wife, thank you so much for displaying the flag at your campsite, that means a great deal.
Rachel says
Yes. The dirt will wash off (and did thankfully… even though we had to scrub) and HOPEFULLY they will have FOND memories of our many adventures as a family. 🙂
You are welcome (re: flag). 🙂
Mommy Has A Life says
It looks like your family had a great time camping! I can not wait to take my little one camping this summer 🙂
Rachel says
Thanks! We had a great time. Have fun camping with your little one this summer! 🙂
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
What a great trip! We don’t camp, my husband just can’t hack it but I think the quiet would be so nice!
Rachel says
Yes. The quiet was VERY nice 😉
Melissa says
So gorgeous and what a fun bonding experience. I would love to go camping sometime!
Rachel says
You totally should! I am sure there are beautiful places near you to escape and enjoy nature. 🙂
Julie says
I’ve never been camping in my life. It looks like your family had a fantastic time!
Andrea Kruse says
Looks like your whole crew had a blast. I can’t wait to take the family camping. It is one of my husband and my favorite activities for the Spring and Fall.
Rachel says
Awesome. yes, we had a great time. Where you are located there are so many BEAUTIFUL camping, hiking, and exploration spots! We are hopeful to go camping up YOUR direction some this summer also. 🙂
Rebekah {McMama} says
I can’t wait till we start camping with our little guys! (I know you CAN go camping with babies, but it seems like a lot more work than fun.)
It looks like y’all had a great time – and in such a beautiful location!
Rachel says
Thanks. We did have a great time. Yes, you can go camping with babies… but it DOES make for a bit more work.
Beth says
Looks like everyone had fun! I love the picture of the dirty knees! That is my kids now that it is summer for sure!
Rachel says
haha! Yes, Beth… dirty knees SCREAMS FUN and SUMMER! 🙂
melinda says
it took many years but I finally figured out rubber boots are the best shoe option when camping.
Rachel says
Haha! Yes!!! 🙂
Liz Mays says
I’m not a camper at all, but your photos really do show the wonder and beauty of the outdoors. Sometimes I just stand there and breathe deeply taking it all in.
Rachel says
Yes. Exactly! I found myself just stopping and breathing in the wonder of nature (no city noise) 🙂
Crystal Green says
This looks like so much fun! I would love to go camping, but my husband isn’t a huge fan of the idea. I don’t get to do it because I’m not about to consider taking my three “monkeys'” camping by myself. Plus I never learned the fine art of starting a fire.
These pictures are amazing, and it really does look like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing your camping experience with us.
I look forward to reading your book review. This does look like a great book.
Rachel says
Honestly, I don’t know the art of starting a fire either! I probably should learn that trick. 🙂
Marina says
Sounds crazy but yeah I’m chicken to go camping. I do want my kids to experience camping some time in life though!
Rachel says
I totally understand. My husband and I grew up camping with our family… so it isn’t new to us. We also camped with boyscouts/girlscouts. Perhaps there is an organization that your kiddos could join to get the outdoor/camping experience? 🙂
trisha says
Since P is still in diapers, I wont be camping anytime soon but I hope to get my life back next year HA!
Rachel says
I totally understand. We camped when the littles were in diapers… and it was a bit more challenging (making sure there was a trash bin nearby… since we camp in bear country). 🙂 When P gets older camping (and bathroom duties) will be a breeze… “find a tree” 🙂
Krissy says
What a beautiful campground! We LOVE camping, but I like the campgrounds with electric outlets, and running toilets and showers 😉
We plan to do some camping this summer – I can’t wait!
Rachel says
We have camped in some primitave areas (pack your gear in places)… but yes, I also prefer running water and flush toilets. 🙂
Robin {Mom Foodie} says
Looks like fun & I need to try that flavor of shocktop 😉
Rachel says
Thanks. Yes, that is my favorite flavor 😉
Valerie Remy-Milora says
What a beautiful weekend you had! My family welcomed an exchange student from Rome for three months last year so we decided to take a 10 day camping trip with our three girls to a handful of State and National parks — Valley of Fire, Zion, Bryce, Horse Shoe Bend and the Grand Canyon. It was a magical 10 days! I can’t wait to do it all over again and explore another part of this beautiful country.
Rachel says
Thanks. That sounds like an amazing week (10 days) of memories!! 🙂 Awesome!
Notorious Spinks says
Great photos. I will must up the courage to go camping one day… the outdoors just frightens me.
Amy says
Found this one a google search and your photos are great! Helped me decide where we’re going! Thanks!