Annabel has been begging us to take her camping for at least a year. My dad once said something to her about camping in their backyard, and she was completely enamoured with the idea. Unfortunately for her, my parents don’t have a backyard anymore, and we don’t have a backyard with grass. Also, I like air conditioning, running water, and electricity. I’m old-fashioned like that.
For my job at Mommy Nearest, I got the opportunity to try out a “backyard campcation,” where a company comes to your house and sets up an entire campsite in your backyard. I knew Annabel would be all over that, and I felt like the proximity to my house would also make it doable for me.
One of my favorite things in life is surprising people, so I jumped at the opportunity to surprise Annabel and James with the backyard camping. My parents took the kids out while the whole thing was set up, and Annabel’s reaction to seeing everything was awesome.
James was also excited, but was easily distracted by the books and glow sticks.
After they tried out all of the beds…
…it was time to eat! We had hot dogs for dinner, and after Annabel decided roasting them over the fire was taking, “way, way too long,” I just went in the house and microwaved them. 21st century win!
Also…I don’t think I can properly state how stressful it was having James near a fire pit. He kept saying, “Touch it! Touch it!” He is insane.
On the flip side, Annabel was not into the fire at ALL, and would only go near it once it died down.
It also helped that marshmallows were involved. They can be quite motivating.
The camp set up came with a bunch of children’s books about camping, perfect for bedtime.
While Mike was reading to the kids, I was like, “Hey…you guys all look mighty comfy in there…what if y’all just stayed in that bed and I just sacrificed everything and stayed in the house?” But Annabel said, “No, Mommy! I’m going to sleep in my cot!” It wasn’t that I didn’t want to sleep with all of them, I just didn’t want to also sleep with all the bugs. I made sure to zip up every single possible bug opening before I doused myself in deet and then covered myself in mosquito netting. Okay maybe only one of those things actually happened.
And honestly? It was nice sleeping outside. Sure, Annabel thought every sound was a bear, and yes, Rigby growled at every falling leaf, but it was still very peaceful (once Annabel and Rigby were asleep, of course). I was worried about my insomnia, but that cool night air helped put me to sleep rather easily.
Annabel is already asking about having another campout, and I think it will definitely happen…maybe next time with some of her friends. I am willing to make that sacrifice.
Melanie says:
Very cool. I could probably get on board with this kind of camping!
Courtney says:
That looks awesome! Also, we love “Camping Spree with Mr. Magee” – a perfect choice since he “decided to camp in the backyard instead”.
Amy says:
How cool! That’s the best way to camp….with a microwave and a bathroom nearby.
BTW, that bedding is beautiful…do you happen to know where it came from?
Chris says:
What a great idea, especially if you’re not into the dirt and bugs and everything. I camped all my life growing up. It’s the best memories I have, but now I want all the conveniences available. When my kids were little we took them camping until about 12 or 13. They have those memories but they never took their kids. So sad. This is a great alternative.
Cheryl says:
Love this idea. I might have to try this!
Damita says:
Oh heck yeah! I could get into this kind of camping. Very nice setup.
Stacey says:
Annabels hair is glorious in these pictures!!
Kelly says:
I laughed that Rigby was included.
Jerilynn says:
Looks better than my whole bedroom. When can I move in? LOL. By the way, I think James looks exactly like your brother!
Norma DeLa Garza says:
Definitely the only way to camp!
Jordan says:
I’m with you- I like AC too much for camping. Plus, I’m just not outdoorsy. I could get behind this glamping thing though… you know, in my backyard.
Jeanie says:
That looks so fun, and I love the bed!
twingles says:
That’s the way to camp – with a raised bed, on a concrete base, with the house within arm’s reach!
DefendUSA says:
This post is awesome! We just got back from Seattle and Olympic and all that. My 3rd kid, 18 and a girl is all about the Glamping. She HATED going hiking, setting up camp, and basically, on the Pacific Crest Trail, surviving. The first thing we did when she got back to Port Angeles is get her nails done! I went for the fun stuff…and one night of camping. I’m good for the next three years! Maybe I should do this for her as a fun birthday…heh. Glad the kids enjoyed it…