Finders Keepers

This weekend was our first camping trip of the year. We went to Crater of Diamonds State Park. We didn't get a chance to go last year, since I was pregnant, and not feeling too well most of the season. So we were a little rusty on our packing skills, and we forgot a few things, but we had the essentials, and we made a list so the next trip will be smoother. I did make a reservation, which was a good thing because the campground was full for the weekend. The campsite was beautiful, the bugs were few, and the weather was perfect. I was cold the first night, but no one else seemed to mind. The food was pretty good. It takes some small adjustments to cooking on a propane Coleman stove, so the bacon was char-grilled the first morning. We also made potatoes, burgers and hot dogs, and of course the kids favorites, smores. Overall, the trip was a success.

Our tent

Brian sitting by the fire

I picked this area because it is located near a diamond field where you can hunt for diamonds and whatever you find you get to keep. The 1.09-carat D-flawless Strawn-Wagner Diamond was found here in 1990. I thought Brian would love to dig in the dirt looking for "rocks". But aparently digging in the dirt looses it's appeal when your parents actually want you to do it. So playing in the mud puddles became the activity of choice. So our diamond hunting adventure was short-lived and unsuccessful.

Eddie even put up a tarp over the dining area

Danielle, it was a little bright outside

Emily enjoying her favorite pastime, eating