Camping Trip 2011

Summer is on the wane here in Montana. I am surely sad to see it going. We still have a few weeks of warm weather left. You can always tell it's winding down, when the tall grasses start turning golden and feathery. We had a lovely time at the lake this year, with the exception of the annoying flies. We seem to be overrun with them this year.
Here are a few pictures of our beautiful Lake Kookanusa.

Here is a picture of our old, vintage 1961 Shasta camper. She ain't too flashy, but it beats sleeping in a tent!

We camp every year during my grandson's birthday, July 26th, it is a tradition we started when he turned 1. He is now 5, gosh I can't believe he is 5 already! Anyway, we staged a treasure hunt for him, and what a hit it was! He wanted a Capt. Jack Sparrow birthday, so of course we had to find pirate treasure!

Here is the map he found in a bottle on the beach.


Reading the map!

Finding the treasure!

Inside the chest of treasure was another map!

That lead to another treasure!

Oh man, my little pirate had a great day!

Such a simple little game to set up, and he will remember it for a life time!

If there is ever any great wisdom for me to pass on to young families, it is this: Take time with your little one's, they grow up so fast, it's like the blink of an eye when you look back. There are so many great books, websites, etc. with inexpensive and fun activities you can do with your children.

Camping out in the backyard, scavenger hunts, nature gathering walks, baking a cake together. Yes, it is just that simple!

Some websites I use:

http://www.pbs.org/parents/fungames/
http://familyfun.go.com/magazine/
http://www.kaboose.com/
http://www.fun-activities-for-kids.com/
http://www.toddlertoddler.com/
http://fun.familyeducation.com/

There are so many more! Have fun finding your favorite sites!


On to my creative endeavors:

I got the bug to start some fall, seasonal goodies.

I just listed a darling pair of pumpkin earrings, I have to admit, I made myself a pair as soon as I got these listed, lol they were just too, cute!

I would love to do some acorn earrings, but I need antique bronze acorn style bead caps in 8 to 10mm. I haven't been able to find any. If you have some, or know who might, I would really appreciate it if you would share with me. Thanks!