A RealFamilies RealFun Blog

Apr 2 2009

The camping trip

Category: Family Fun

I'm happy to report that Paul managed not to lose Nathan on their overnight camping trip in the national forest. My biggest fear was that they'd come across a bear or mountain lion. Even at six, Nathan is potential prey when he's separated from adults.

As I predicted -- and only to myself -- they had a bear encounter at their campground. Nathan did what he was told and stayed by his dad. Still it made Paul nervous and he got very little sleep that night. But he did get some good pictures of the bear.

I'm also proud of Nathan because he finally decided to leave Bunny at home. This must have been hard because he tried to persuade his father all week that Bunny could come along as a pillow. I think this is one of the few nights he didn't have Bunny to sleep with. Luckily, Bunny took it well, too. Just in case, I had him sleep with Lucie. If you've ever read the Velveteen Rabbit you'd know that stuffed toy animals have feelings, too.

I'm so glad to see Paul and Nathan start this tradition, and if Lucie wants to join them when she gets older that's fine (if she's invited). I like being home by myself. But if she wants to stay home with me, that's terrific, too. There's nothing better than some mother-daughter bonding over chick flicks.