Mason's First: Camping Trip

This face sums it all up...

Camping with a 15 month old meant spending 48 hours wiping sand, dirt, leaves, sticks and mud out of Mason's mouth. And he loved every minute of it.

We left Friday night and drove 5 hours to Big Sur. It doesn't normally take that long, but when you're in a 1987 Volkswagon Westfalia you've got to take it easy. We love this camper van. The top that is popped up in the picture makes room for a bed then the back seat lays down into another bed. There is a refrigerator, stove, cabinets and a surprising amount of storage space in there!

The weekend was a celebration for our friend Jenna's birthday and there was a group of 10-12 of us on Saturday. You can't have a camping trip without games of horse shoes, bocce ball and frisbee.

Plaskett Creek campground is right across the street from the ocean. We could see the water from the campsite and it was just a short hike down to the beach.

 One look at those waves coming into shore and then heading back out, and this was the last time Mason looked back.

 The tide would come in and as soon as it started to flow back out Mase would run full speed after it. Off I went, chasing after him and scooping him up just before he reached the water. I would run back to shore with him in my arms and the tide following me, put him down right before the waves began to recede so he could feel the cold water on his legs, and off he would go again toward the ocean. It was exhausting, but so much fun.

Then it was Daddy's turn to do some chasing.

It was so late in the afternoon that the tide came up and the water actually left us without any beach. I guess that's when you know it's time to head back to camp for a nap.

Jenna is a big fan of Jameson, so when I found this cupcake recipe, I knew I had to make them for this weekend. Behold, the Irish Car Bomb Cupcake.

Guiness cake filled with Jameson ganache filling and topped with Baileys frosting. Literally the most delicious cupcake I have ever eaten. No joke. It was THAT good.

Sunday morning Mason and I were the first ones up so we took a walk down to the beach. It was still a little foggy and everything was so quiet and peaceful. That might be my favorite part of camping-- those solemn moments first thing in the morning.

I can't wait to take Mason camping again. Our little Baby Valone fit right in with the woods and the wilderness. Although next time we'll go someplace just a little bit closer and a little bit warmer.