Camping on a Budget - Spring Break Part 1

Eric came up with an adventurous plan to go camping for 3 days with the Corvino's and do it on a budget of $300. My first thought was, Dan will never commit to going camping and my second thought was, there is no way we can do it for $300 with the price of gas right now. However a miracle occurred, and Dan said "yes" to camping and we almost stuck to the budget (give or take $100). This was our first experience with camping in our 15 years of marriage.

Before the camping could begin, we met Uncle Helmer (and friends) along with Eric's parents at Grandma's Restaurant. When we walk in this place, everyone remembers us and we feel right at home.

This is our homestead. Camp site #126 at the South Carlsbad Beach. We brought Eric's dad (Tom) along and used his handicap placard otherwise we never would've been able to secure a camping site. It's booked years in advance. The handicap spot meant we were right by the bathrooms and if I must admit, showers.

Grandpa Tom brought along his paints and brushes and helped the kids create beautiful pieces of art. It was their favorite activity.

Kennedy is a piece of art all on her own.

And this food was a work of art! Eric really hyped up the cuisine and he didn't disappoint. We ate very well.

I know I've said it before...like father, like son. Gross!

Sadie was smart and brought along arts and crafts for the kids. It kept them occupied for hours on end. That's about how long it took to prepare a meal and clean up. Camping is so much work!

Buttermilk pancakes, some even included chocolate chips, potatoes, sausage, and scrambled eggs for breakfast was gourmet! Eric pays very good attention to detail.

Boston & Angelo played baseball until they ran out of whiffle balls. Olive enjoyed digging and throwing the dirt. It's amazing how content kids can be with the simplest things.

Obviously, I'm not much of a housekeeper when camping.

This is what Eric went into the restroom with. The men were divas when it came to using the facilities. Us women, we're pioneer stock.

The beach wasn't so warm but that didn't stop the kids or Eric or Dan. They all submerged themselves into the freezing cold water and boogie boarded. Dan said if he was being honest, "it was miserable." Sadie and I sat in our chairs, all bundled up. It was overcast with a high of 60 degrees.

Dan and Angelo contemplating. Dan told Eric he would only be getting in up to his knees because of things that lived below. However, he surpassed that and surprised us all by boogie boarding.

Olive eventually had purple lips but that didn't stop her from enjoying the beach.

Boston is forever my surfer boy.

Sadie trying to warm Olive up or maybe warm herself up.

We couldn't pass up the Fish Hut even though it pretty much busted the budget.

This little guy kept the kids laughing. He was eating everything in sight.

I snuck away right at sunset and snapped this picture. Although camping on the beach is sandy and dirty and lots of work, you can't argue with the beauty and serenity of waking up in the tent with the crisp air and your family sleeping peacefully together.

The Corvino's were the ultimate camping buddies just going with the flow and keeping things lively. We would definitely go on vacation again with them. Just next time, I think a hotel will do just fine. I'm good with the camping for a while.