Michiko (8) had her first camping experience last night. Right in our backyard.

We had not gone on a camping trip in times past due to her asthma (thank God this has been in remission for a year) and allergies. Anyway, we decided to just air the tents in the backyard yesterday afternoon, but we ended putting them up. After dinner, the decision was made. We dragged sleeping bags, blankets and pillows into the sleeping quarters. We also loaded up on flashlights, a flask of hot beverage (heard of MILO? Not the tea, the chocolately kind) and some cookies. And we were set. But only my daughter and dh stayed behind and slept through the night in the tent. Little Josh still had a bit of sniffles so I thought it was wise to let him have his warm bed. Then early in the morning, Michiko and daddy went for a hike, in the woods just behind our backyard. What fun. :) And in our own backyard too.