Camping with the Cowkids

Posted July 7, 2014 by Prairie Wife - 12 comments

I wouldn’t say that I hate camping, but I can’t exactly say I love it either. It’s not the bugs, dirt, sleeping on the ground, or walking half a mile to find a good bush to go to the bathroom in…believe it or not none of that bothers this reformed city girl. Nope, for me it’s the constant “death watch”. This is a term I have invented that refers to the struggles of a mother to keep her children alive in this world full of dangers like steps, Barbie shoes (choking hazard), improperly cut up hot dogs (again choking), unprotected electric outlets, and unknown dogs…just to name a few. For me camping is just one big stress filled death watch, with no break. Here are some of the hazards to small children you can find camping…snakes, fire, bees, spiders, large holes, water (creeks), fishing hooks, fire, pointy sticks, slippery rocks, FIRE, and simply wandering off and getting lost. The three older Cowkids actually do pretty great staying safe and making good choices. But poor Cowboy C at only 18 months…it’s really no surprise that after three days in the mountains the new words that he learned were “hot”, “fire”, and “walk”! The Cowboy and the Cowkids love camping, and I can see how in a few years I’ll really begin to enjoy it too. I have to admit that the beautiful mountain scenery always helps sooth my soul, and being away from modern technology for a few days is always a good thing. We came back home dirty and exhausted but full of S’mores and amazing family memories.

This is our new favorite spot, I can’t tell you where it is or I would have to kill you…good camping spots are closely guarded secrets out here.

Camping spotOne of the first things we do upon arriving is gather up firewood, everyone helps out!

Getting firewood

Then we get the tent set up, ahh home sweet home! It’s hard to imagine that all 6 of us and two dogs can fit in there.

Home Sweet Home

Now that the work is done the Cowkids set off for some rock climbing.

Cowkids ClimbingCowboy C likes to take off on his own…

Cowboy C off for a walk

Thankfully he eventually let me hold his hand and help guide him back to camp.

Holding hands

The horses are ecstatic to eat all the fresh grass.

Vicki Eating

It’s night time and we ate a delicious dinner, now it’s time for S’mores!

S'mores

It’s morning and The Cowboy has the hot water for coffee and tea ready.

Coffee Time

The first thing Cowboy W does is throw on his boots, grab his gun, and make sure the horses are safe.

Checking on Grey

The Cowboy and Cowboy J head out for a ride while the other kids and I hike around.

Horseback ridingIt’s a hot day so we all take a walk to the creek.

beautiful WY view

The Cowkids had a blast walking up the creek looking for fish and bugs.

creek time

 

Do you love camping or hate it? I’d love to hear your stories!

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

12 thoughts on "Camping with the Cowkids"

  1. chasetity says:

    I dont mind it But I completly agree with you on the death watch

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      Right, someday it will be relaxing!

  2. Katy says:

    Love it!!! But where you mention FIRE several times well mine is SNAKES! I am terrified of them and that my kids will find one!! My hubby tells me constantly that it is a dumb fear, but hey I am a mom and I am aloud!!

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      Living in TX I don’t blame you for the snake fear! I don’t worry as much because with the Cowdogs running with the kids, chances are they will scare them up first.

  3. Karen says:

    I love camping–don’t even mind the constant “death watch”… It’s the preparation and the unpacking that I detest!!!!

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      See, that part doesn’t bother me at all! Maybe we can go together…I’ll pack and unpack an you can do death watch?

  4. Carol says:

    This cracked me up! I love camping. Many years of Girl Scout camp and camp counselor at Girl Scout National Center West here in Ten Sleep. Let your kids have fun, some of those death watches are interesting… Like snakes, pointy sticks, spiders,a nd bees! Arm them with knowledge to survive, they’re not too young to learn…

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      I agree, The Cowboy is in charge of their outdoor education. By the end of the trip the Cowkids were covered in dirt and loving life. Cowboy C was literally doing face down dirt angels lol! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  5. Erica says:

    I used to love camping… Last year was terrible and made me never want to camp again! My husband is trying to talk me into camping this weekend. Maybe I’ll suggest a trip to Denver instead?!

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      Denver sounds great, take some time to treat yourself to the spa when your there…you deserve it 🙂

  6. Erica says:

    P.S. I love your camping pictures! I was hoping to ask where it was… Then I read on!

    1. Prairie Wife says:

      Maybe for you The Cowboy would let me share…it’s about a three hour drive though 🙁

Categories: Life As It Happens

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Subscribe

* indicates required