Marsh Madness: We Went Camping

Last weekend we went camping together for the first time since we've been married. I've been to girls camp, Brad's been camping with friends, but we hadn't ever made the time to go camping. We were lucky enough to get most of our camping essentials as wedding gifts so we were set and ready to go.
The last of Brad's friends are moving away, moving forward with careers and such so we wanted to do a last hoorah before we are all separated. We've all spent the last few years together, supporting our men through intramural football with the Purple Cobras, getting through school, lots of dinner dates, and crafting while the boys watch games.
The best part about this camping trip was that we didn't have anything planned. We went up there fully intending to lounge and do things as we please. We did just that. Some of the men found the perfect spot, away form everyone, right next to the river. It was fabulous. We sat around the fire and talked, and listened to the men talk about all their funny stories from high school. Oh to be a fly on the wall in their lives! We played a few different tournaments of horse shoes, played a few different card games, and went on a short hike together.
I LOVED waking up in the morning to the sound of muffled talking outside the tent - it takes me back to my childhood. The men did a great job being manly men: building fires, setting up the tents, chopping firewood while we helped make sure the campsite was tidy and everyone was eating.
The whole time we were there I kept wondering why it took us so long to get out and go camping. It was so nice to get away from social networking/technology/our fast-paced world and just slow down and enjoy nature, and - in all seriousness - how beautiful life really is.
It was so much fun spending the weekend with such good friends. It made me sad to realize this phase of life is changing and it isn't going to be as easy to get everyone together anymore. We have created such great friendships with these guys and I'm so grateful for them. I hope we all end up close someday so our kids can all be friends :)

***I don't have any good pics, we had our professional photographer (paige slade) and I still need to get the pics from her :)