Angie told her sister that we could join them for camping. Greg asked multiple times if she really wanted to go... and that she wanted to stay 2 nights... Greg is well aware camping is not a love of Angie's. But it turns out - summer camping with a river is not so bad.
We arrived at Garner after dark because we had Vacation Bible School we ended up leaving Austin right in rush hour traffic. So, we took the back roads, which were scenic, but took much longer than anticipated.
When we arrived we checked in and these were the actual directions Greg was given to get to out campsite from the park rangers... thankfully Greg is good with direction and we got there without getting lost.
We found the Philpot's Christie reserved us camp sites side by side with a small parking in between. Greg and Angie set up the campsite after Brian helped Greg with the tent. And Aunt Christie took the kids to make S'mores.
The next morning Greg was up before the sun making breakfast. He had us up and ready for a hike early before it was hot and sunny.
This is our campsite. Adam insisted on bringing his tent from Uncle Donald. Angie really didn't want him sleeping alone, but he was insistent on having his tent. So, he did. He slept in his tent both nights along with all of his belongings... he likes his space.
Only a few feet into our hike Adam requested Angie take this picture of him "falling" down the rock...
half way to the top...
We made it...
The boys found a cave, thankfully it started raining, so we needed to get down before the rock was too slick or the adventure may have continued into the cave.
Family picture before heading down...
Halfway back down...
After our hike we met the Philpot's down at the Frio River for some swimming. Their family had been there for a while so they had a good spot in the shade.
Then we went and set up a camp by our camp sites on the river and spent the rest of the day swimming... And Aunt Christie even had the boys' birthday gifts.
Christie and Angie's Lifeguard shoes from 1995, 28 years old, are still going strong.
After a day in the sun we headed back to camp. Greg cooked dinner for us and Christie cooked for their family...the kids played and rested...
Greg made us BBQ chicken, corn and beans.
Then we headed to the famous Garner Dance... Angie's guys.
Luke questioned this decision from the start...
Adam was so tired... he danced with Angie like this...
David danced with Angie like this...
And Greg danced with Angie like this...
Adam spent the dance trying to sleep... he likes a bedtime routine so badly even at 10 years old.
The adults had fun, but the kids maybe not... Lila turned down a dance request from a boy... Luke danced once with Christie and David danced 3 times with Angie... so it was time to go.
We headed back to camp and Greg made his famous apple beach cobbler. Luke, David and Greg stayed up late making that and said it was delicious.
The next morning we woke up and began to pack up camp...
Before all of us joined together in a last hike of the trip... we went to a cave.
We had a good weekend - this guy always makes the outdoors much more enjoyable.
And on the way home Adam made music with his apple juice tops - for hours.
