Here it is again, another year for camping. Only, this year, things are a little different. Instead of it being just the two of us there is now three. This is Kathryn's first camping year. We have looked forward to this camping year ever since we found out we were expecting a baby. We anticipated a great summer!

Our first camping trip for 2004 was to one of our favorite campgrounds, Wabasis in Rockford, MI. It was also Father's Day Weekend and in turn David's first Father's Day. We celebrated this camping weekend with my parents, David's parents, Mark, Lisa, and Kathryn's new cousin, Timmy.

I have to say that camping with a baby is a lot different, but really I will enjoy camping trips more now that we have our daughter. She definitely keeps you busy. I was a little concerned as to how she would do because this was the first trip and in a sense a trial run to see how she did in the camper. We have a portable crib that we used for Kathryn. She sleeps very well in the crib and did very well over the weekend. Although, the weather was only in the 60's, we had a good time. Kathryn is a true camper now at only 3 1/2 months old.

Our second camping trip for 2004 took us back to Cadillac over the 4th of July. I have to say that it was another nice trip except for the weather. Friday and Saturday were nice. Sunday, it rained all day. And, Monday was cold. Tuesday came and it was raining again, so we decided to head home early. Kathryn and I both ended up with colds. The trip was nice, but who would expect cold weather in July. That just goes to show you what Michigan weather can be like. Crazy! My parents went with us that weekend too. Because of the bad weather, I don't have many photos of the campsite.

Our third trip for the year was to a campground we had never been before. It was called Fort Custer in Augusta, Michigan. We went with some friends of ours (Kathryn's God Parents).

I have to say that the campground was nice however, it was very heavily wooded and way back in the back forty. We had to drive at least a mile or two to get back to the campground. They brought their 2 year old son with them and their dog, Lucy.

It was a fun weekend and we experienced our first ever wild animal experience. Their dog, Lucy got by a skunk and got sprayed in the face. Boy, I have to say that I have never smelled a live skunk before when it sprayed an animal. I thought the smell was bad on the road when they were dead, but nothing could top that smell. It was even worse then a dirty diaper. The campsite, the dog, the trailer, and their tent stunk from skunk smell. We went and got tomato juice and gave her a bath in it, which was a mess. It was quite comical. I felt sorry for the poor dog. Afterwards, she still smelled like skunk only with a topping of tomato juice. They took her the next day to Petco and got her a bath, it was much better afterwards. That was a true experience.

Their son loved camping in the tent. Although, the campground was nice, there wasn't much to do. I couldn't believe how heavily wooded it was and there was only one bathhouse for that side of the campground. Although, their prices were reasonable.

Friday when we arrived the weather was rainy, but Saturday and Sunday both turned out to be beautiful days. Below are some pictures from our Camping Trip to Fort Custer Campground.

Our fourth camping trip for 2004 was to Gun Lake Yankee Springs Park in Middleville Michigan. It is a nice park with a nice lake. They have new bathhouses which are much nicer then some I have been in. And, it is close to home. This was our second to last trip of the year. My mother went with us this time. Unfortunately, our digital camera died while we were camping. The color on the pictures was awful and we didn't get too many pictures from that trip.

Our last trip for the year was to Mitchell State park in Cadillac, Michigan. This is a favorite park of ours because it is on two nice lakes and the park is setup really nice. This trip was over labor day weekend which unfortunately, we got stuck in a traffic jam on the way up and instead of 1 1/2 hour drive it took 3 hours, so we setup in the dark.

The weekend was nice and the most beautiful weather we had all summer for camping. Figures, since it was the last camping weekend. We rode bikes and David's parents came to visit. My mother went along for the trip as well too. Kathryn had a good time. As you will see ever since Kathryn started camping with us, I am sure that we take more pictures of her then our campsite and of us.

Sadly, the summer is over and winter is approaching, I hate to think about it. But, it was another nice year camping and as always, we look forward to the next camping year.