The day was perfect. Spontaneity has a way of putting excitement into an otherwise boring day. We were both eager with anticipation. What would the night bring? Our destination was only about an hour away. As we drove, we listened to music and talked about all the things we wanted to do. Planning together was so fun. Once we arrived, we worked so well together it was amazing! He was so eager to help me. He carried wood, started the fire, helped pitch the tent. So many wonderful things. We made dinner together and then, those magic words, "I love you." The words melted my heart and made me smile. They came out of no where. I wasn't doing anything that warranted those special words, I hadn't said them to him, but there they were. Those words are said so often yet rarely felt. I felt those 3 words to the depth of my heart and soul. My little man loves me! (you all thought I was talking about someone else didn't you?..Gotcha! I know every child loves their parents but this was different. I can't describe it... it just was. Maybe it was me, maybe I was emotional from the fact that I have never been camping without my husband before. Maybe I'm pms, maybe the stars were aligned just so. I don't know and I don't care. The moment was so special and will be forever embedded in my heart. Since we arrived at the camp site fairly late, we didn't have a lot of time. We played a few games of Backgammon and my son beat me! That did not go well but a blog for another time). We went to bed early, or tried to anyway. In the past when we have camped, it is usually secluded and fairly rugged and outdoorsy. We sleep in tents, cook on an open fire and pee in the bushes. This camp site was like none other that we had experienced. The sites were smack next to one another and people were so loud. Due to the circumstances, sleeping was not as conducive as I would have liked. We did manage to fall asleep but I awakened every 2 hours throughout the night and my little man wet the sleeping bag. Not much sleep for either of us. Morning came too soon, 5:30 am, and we were off and running. We prepared the fire and began cooking eggs and bacon. It tasted wonderful and I picked out the best cantaloupe. MMMM! After breakfast we went for a walk and to try to fish. Side by side we strolled , admiring the huge trees, listening to the birds sing and enjoying the warmth of the sunshine on our faces. Occasionally I would fall behind or get ahead in my steps. Evan would adjust his steps accordingly and grab my hand, followed by those magic words. I think I lost count after having him tell me how much he loved me so many times. "Mama, I love you!" Those words still bring happy tears and a smile to my face. I was nervous about the trip. Would I be safe? Could I emotionally handle it? So many thoughts ran through my head. My daughter was camping for a girl scout event so I thought. Why should she have all the fun? I'm so glad I had that moment. The bonding Evan and I shared was amazing.

We forgot a few things and he got a little pouty..."we may as well not even go now" he said. We forgot a lantern and my pillow and the marshmallow roasting sticks. Not too bad for a spontaneous trip if you ask me. We stopped at the store and I bought a flash light and Evan gave me his pillow and he used towels. As for the marshmallow sticks, that proved more difficult because we were at a park setting not a camping setting. I, being big into improvisation lately, began widdling a stick with a kitchen knife. I know, not the safest thing, but it worked. The camping trip was a success! I spent quality time with my son, realized I am more capable than I ever imagined, and I showed my son I can hook a worm, start a fire and how to improvise! LIfe is good, I am so proud of myself, and he loves me!