We had a fantastic time on our camping trip this past weekend. The weather was beautiful and the fellowship was truly a blessing. We awoke to the quietude of the forest and the fresh smells of nature. It amazed me how many scents brought back memories from my camping days as a child, like the smell from the inside of the tent. Each morning the sun would poke through the trees and there was a chill in the air each morning that just made you smile.We read morning prayers outside as a group and then we cooked up some breakfast treats and enjoyed a hearty first meal of the day. We brought fresh eggs from the chickens, fruit, home fries, hot dogs and more. We brewed fresh coffee and started the day.Then the men took the kids canoeing while us womenfolk stayed behind to clean up and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee together. It was so relaxing. It was nice knowing the children were having fun with their fathers out on the lake while we got a chance to chit-chat. It was great to be able to discuss family matters and other things going on in the world in an Orthodox context. There was such a special feeling in the air the entire time. I really love that we were able to begin and end the day in prayer together.When the kids got back we made lunch and then took a little walk around the park. Later on that night we made S'mores. As much as I hate all the garbage in most of the food the kids ate this weekend, I have to admit I loved watching them get all gooey and chocolatey.During the day we hid the marshmallows because they would've passed on meals to stuff their bellies full of fluff, but somehow Lucky kept coming up with mouthfuls of 'shmallows. He definitely has a nose for sugar.It was altogether a perfect weekend and we are all so excited about planning our next trip. We may have several other families join in next time too which would be terrific! Here's a group photo of the original pioneers.