Camp Fun and Games

I forgot to write about our backyard camping during spring break. The kids and I decided we should camp in the great outdoors, 4' from the back door for convenience. As we were setting up I was reminded that last time the boys did this they watched a movie with Dad in the tent. I was sort of thinking that that really isn't camping. However, in lieu of a creek to explore or a mountain to hike there wasn't too much else to keep us entertained.
So, I designated Alex as camp director. I told him he had to come up with a name for the camp and a camp song or cheer. When he asked Macey what we should name the camp, she supplied 'Camp Fun and Games.' Ah, so now we needed fun and games!
Remember the camera was lost last week. Dan has videos on his phone that I'll share when that device is back in town, but I wanted to at least get the text down before I forgot!
The boys helped set up tents and folding chairs. They collected kindling. This was the windiest day of the month, so our fire was a variable thing. Luckily no cinders up and flew off to start unwanted fires! We warmed hot dogs and enjoyed a simple dinner around the fire.
Then came the 'Program'. Dan does the program for church and I think Alex was inspired by this. He made a program and wanted to make copies (which I only allowed one of since Macey and Ryan don't really read). We started with an FHE lesson on the sacrament (for a Faith in God requirement). We all played a tune on the harmonica. My kids now have a new favorite instrument! Then Alex told jokes, Ryan twirled a stick (I'm not sure where he got this idea from), and Macey and I performed Elephant and Piggie's, 'I Will Surprise My Friend' skit. Dan had to spontaneously come up with an entertainment. He went in the house and came back out with his phone playing circus music. And then he juggled. Juggling is something special at our house. Back in the day, Ryan believed that people who could juggle were geniuses. Also, last year the boys learned juggling in elementary school. Anyhow, it was a great hit!
Just as it was getting dark we toasted marshmallows. After a round of s'mores we then had ghost stories. Macey told us one where Rapunzel had a pet ghost and then she proceeded to tell the entire Disney version of Rapunzel. The boys both said they wanted a ghost story, but not a really scary one. Ok, not at all scary. So I told them I'd tell them a true story about Lazarus. Dan scoffed when I started telling the story, but I think it had the right amount of thrill for my gentle spirits. And we got to talk about the power of the priesthood from it.
After that we got ready for bed. As soon as the boys were asleep in the boy tent, Dan took them inside and went to bed. He had no intention of sleeping outside. Ever. Macey and I were snug in the girl tent. If it hadn't been the windiest night of the month I might have enjoyed sleeping outside. But the rattle of the tent every 5 minutes from the wind gusts forced us inside as well just after midnight. We all woke up smelling like campfire well rested and happy!