One Day.

We did it. We packed up our kids, bedding, tent, food and dog and ventured out to sleep under the stars.

Of course it couldn't have been that simple.

I have been waiting for new kitchen chairs since May. I started calling in February, but it took until May to get anyone who could authorize the warranty to return my call. That's a whole other rant. So, the very weekend my entire family plus cousins were going to camp at my lovely sisters place, I get the call that my chairs will be delivered in the morning.

I thought something would go right with the whole fiasco for once.

I made plans with hubby, and kids, and waited in anticipation.

The day arrived, and the very first call was the company saying they'd be here after lunch instead. No problem. I sent my wonderful husband and 4 oldest kids to set up the tent etc, while I waited for the delivery men to show up. I had the littlest at home with me, but he decided to have a nap. So, I did all my dishes, and got my kitchen floor washed. I had a few baskets of laundry to do, so I proceeded to wash, and dry them as well. No, I did not hang them out, I believe in using at least my family's quota of electricity for the day. (My clothes line is having a mild attack of osteoporosis so until it's cured, or put out of it's misery, I use my dryer. We have a great relationship.)

By this time, my partner-in-life had arrived, and was a little perturbed that the dudes hadn't shown up. He puttered around, playing the waiting game. He's does not posses the patient gene, so he was on the phone finding out what was going on pretty quick. My mother and sisters had graciously kept our kids for us, knowing we weren't going to be that long.

Four. Hours. Later. Oh yeah, you read that right my dear. Four hours into waiting my husband started playing his sniper game on the computer, fantasizing I'm sure about doing it to the delivery guys once they showed up. We were about ready to forget it, give keys to our neighbours who arrived home and ask them to let the dudes into our house, and get our butts out to the beach where I was sure my kids were making someone's blood pressure rise above normal, when we got the call that they were two minutes away.

Suffice to say, we rushed them in and out, Honey making a few wise cracks, which spurred a few apologies, and we packed up our little guy and sped to the camp site. We unloaded blankets and food, then sped to the beach where our family was waiting and wondering what was taking us so long.

It turned out to be a good time, even though it was short. The kids were fine, the adults didn't murder anyone, and my very generous brother had bought everyone ice cream. This was 30+ people, so not a cheap thing to do. And because of the allergies, he went to the grocery store and got the special ice cream. Again, not cheap. Thanks Petey!!

After a yummy supper, and a fireworks display put on by my brother-in-law, we got the kids into bed well after they should have been and then relaxed with some drinks around the fire.

Morning came too quick, and because I in no way know how to, or at least admit it, cook over open flame, my sister allowed me to trek up the hill and cook breakfast for my family in a real kitchen. She loves me.
After we ate, we tore down, packed up and drove home.

I felt a little better knowing that we were coming home to a tidy house, even though I felt gypped with my social time.

We are definitely going back, very soon.

And I will figure out how to cook with fire.