The Great Outdoors

The Coasters - Yakety Yak

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Before we begin I promise, no John Candy references... But I never said anything about music.

You mean we spent all day in a boat, and there were NO FISH in the lake?!

I can't count the number of times our family (namely me) has planned to the inth' degree for our family trips or activities only to have everything go awry. What I can't do is recollect too many of those times I can look back and laugh about, like my Papa does in this weeks episode. At least not yet, give me a decade or two.

Hansel & Gretel, listen carefully.

In fact, I'm pretty sure if my husband had left me alone with our children in the middle of the woods (Like Papa did with Nana), I may have equipped them with some stale bread and "instructed" them on how to find there way back on there own. Insanity defence at the ready

Ready, Aim, Fire!

Papa's stories wouldn't be complete without at least one reference to hunting. Is it possible that you can tell a persons true passions by the conversations that reoccur without warrant? I would risk that assumption in Papa's case. His voice lifts, shoulders perk up, if you pay especial attention you might just pick up a hint of excitement. Although hunting has never been on the Doppler of interests of mine, I can say I look forward to more references, to not only a hobby but a lifestyle, that bought this man so much joy.

Who thought  camping in the snow was a good idea?

I may be a self proclaimed master of improvisition but there is no amount of magic fairy dust that's gonna  lift my spirits off the ground if you think kids, snow, & camping are a recipe for success. Now for those of you Klondike campers who have made it work, hold on to your hate mail, 'cause apparently your not the only ones who think I'm wrong. Apparently my very own Grandfather found a way to have a good time as well.

Passing on the tradition.

 They must have had a least a handful of fun as it seems my extended family saw fit to hand down the traditions to there children as well. 

Everyone pile in.

And sine our folks made it seem like such a swell time, we thought we would give it a whorl as well. Just look at those faces, they have noooooo idea what's coming. MuuuuHaaahaaaahaaaa.

Camper, we don't need no stink'n camper.

I won't lie, a camper would have been kinda nice. Seeing as it was slightly, pretty, very cold. Making using the "facilities" in the middle of the night a little less then pleasant. Also, lesson learned, if your going to make three kids share a tent, you might want to be sure they are all potty trained first, eeekkk.

What will our children remember most?

It's hard to tell by this image but there were still smiles on all the faces. In fact we hadn't pulled out of the park before the kids were asking when we were going to do this again. We have camped a few more times since and they have all been quite the adventure. There is something almost Disney'esc about camping, it's all in what you make of it. 

Still not inspired? Maybe listening to Papa relive a few camping endeavors will get your juices flowing.

*side note: Papa is not quite as vocal as Nana so you may have to turn your volume up to hear him.

Campfire Omelets

By far and away the easiest and more sanitary way to cook breakfast for a family at a campsite. 

10 eggs (*pre-crack your eggs into a water tight container and you won't have to worry about breaking eggs)
2 cups cheese, grated

Substitute you favorite omelet combos

1 cup ham, chopped

1 cup bacon, crumbled

onion

green pepper

1 cup tomato, chopped

1 cup hash brown (purchased and thawed)

Have children write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.

Pour 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them.

Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, bacon, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, etc.

Each child adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelette's in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.

Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily.

Note: I had to fill in SOMETHING regarding cooking time, serving sizes, and amounts. This of course, depends on your situation and how carnivorous the wildlife is. I've tried to guesstimate for five servings.

Delish'

Isaiah 43:19  - See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.