"We're having family time and we're having fun.... whether you like it or not!

A long weekend and a nice family camping trip.  That was the original idea.  My husband and I thought we'd have one more camping trip before putting our camper away for the winter.  We chose McCormick's Creek State Park in Indiana.  He remembered it from camping as a kid and I was excited that it wasn't hot.  Perfect!  I had directed the boys on what to pack and then made the appropriate number of 'follow up requests' (nagging) as to if they had achieved those goals.  Yes, they have jackets, yes they have two pairs of shoes, yes they have tooth paste and soap and deodorant.  You're sure?  Yes.  Ok.

My mother - in - law and I had planned meals, planned treats, talked about hikes, and mulled over activities to do with the kids and by Friday morning, we were on the road.  The one delightful side effect of my not sleeping at night is that I have found I can finally sleep in the car.  This made the trip much faster for me.  We arrived by mid afternoon and circled the beautifully wooded park to find our previously reserved campsite.

There it was.  What's that?  It looks like that camper is over our fire ring from the sight to the back.  Surely not.  Wait, he's in the right place.  There's his electric box.  But, yes, the camper was definitely hanging over the edge of our fire pit.

And it began:  'No guys, everyone stay in the car.'
'What? Yes, we're here.  But there's some problem with the space and dad is talking to the man who owns that camper to see about moving.'
'What?  Yes, he says now he will pull it forward.  Oh, look, someone is putting up a tent just to the left of the camper.'
'Oh, my!  These are small spaces!
'No, you can't get out yet.  Wait for dad to back the camper up.'
 'What, yes, I know you want to get out.  NO.  Not now.'
'Stop kicking her seat.  No, no more snacks.  We'll fix hot dogs as soon as we set up camp.'
'What?  No, I didn't tell her she could have some and you couldn't.  I said no.'
'Why don't you listen to me and not her?'
'Stop teasing him.'
'OK.  Stop fighting over something you're not getting anyway or you'll go to bed as soon as there is one.'  'What, yes, I know I can't set them all up at once but, I can make yours first.  What?  No, I can't make two at once.  I don't know who's I'd make first if two of you had to go to bed right away.  Why don't you behave and then I won't have to make that decision.'

And so, the argument.  They had that same argument the next day.  No, it wasn't about snacks or kicking someone's seat but rather someone pushing someone else on the path while we hiked.  Or picking up sticks to swing. You get the idea.  By the third day, we sent the kids off to fight amongst themselves so we could pack up in peace and we were elated when 2 of the 3 passed out in the car on the way home.

AAAHHHHHHH TOGETHERNESS!  This is why God makes us forgetful!  So we forgot all the bickering and just tell our grandchildren about the camp fire songs and hot dogs!  It may prevent us from becoming extinct, I'd guess.