Cold (cold cold) weather camping

Last weekend we attempted to camp!
It was a success in parts..and a fail in others.

the successes!
- camping! even if we decided we need to wait a few more months to really pull out our camping gear, definitely worth it.
- snow! we found a perfect camping spot atop of Mount Pigeon a few hours north of us. Even though it was late, it was beautiful. And even though it was cold, the air was so crisp.
- fire! Skylee LOVED making a fire with daddy. She helped me unload our tent and sleeping bags excitedly, but she was especially anxious to help Caleb make a fire. Little did she know the-best-steak-ever and smores were to come... :)
- got some awesome cold weather must-haves for winter...a Columbia fleece for Skylee, intense omnishield gloves for me, and royal robbins hiking pants for both caleb and me..things we have been using daily since our trip.
- I have the excitement. Sure, we are going to wait til probably mid March til we start serious camping, but it is in my blood now! Anxiously anticipating another trip.
- watching Skylee "camp." She was pumped. The tent, the scenery, even the cold. Seeing her excitement warmed my heart. (just not literally!)

the fails!
- We originally hoped to make it to Cloudland Canyon to camp, but Mount Pigeon was still an adventure!
- Got lost on the way home..took a few hours longer. Though the car ride bonding experience made this more of a success!
- COLD! camping in 20 degree weather is not something I will try again until I have UA. (also, my circulation gets a fail on this one.)
- backpacking part of the Appalachian for our anniversary is put on hold until the weather gets just a little warmer.

The rest of the weekend we spent bonding, really praising and thanking God for our family.
Skylee sat with us in church Sunday morning, and we had the sweetest time together.
How on earth could I ask for a sweeter daughter, a more loving husband, or a happier life?
I am so blessed; thank you God!

A few other updates..

Two days ago, Skylee had to get two shots. Grammy went with us, and we were very proud of Skylee. After her shots, she got two stickers (one of which she gave grammy!), and a strawberry milkshake. Shots aren't so bad after all...!
Last night, Skylee got to spend a few hours at grammy and papas while Caleb and I had a date night.
When we arrived at their house to pick her up, she was lost in a "secret fort" with grammy bubbling over with giggles and smiles. I know she had a good time.
Nothing makes Skylee happier than getting mail. Not too long ago she got a CD and stickers from Grammy B. A few days ago, we got Florida oranges (or pom poms as Skylee calls them) from Grandpa! She knew it was really for her, and immediately we gobbled several down.

We watched Pocahontas yesterday, and Skylee informed me she wants John Smith to be her "prince."
He is a very good guy, she has reminded me several times since.
Also, whenever we tickle her, she now says (or more usually screams) "tuna' when she wants us to stop. It is adorable and usually makes me want to tickle her more, though I refrain.
Skylee has really been into 'dress up' the past few weeks. Every morning we try on tiaras, fancy jewelery, gloves, princess dresses, bows, and high heels and parade around the house. This is always followed by a tea party (with the tea seat Teresa and Joe got her for Christmas!). Every morning we 'dine' on water tea and eat 'plastic' cake. She is such a good hostess!
Whenever I ask Skylee if she wants to help me with laundry she responds "Of course I do!"  She used to simply help me separate her clothes from mine, then she started folding her clothes, now she even hangs them on hangers! She really is the best little helper.
And so smart. Whenever I get into baby-clothes lust, she'll remind me, "I have clothes, mommy. I don't need any." (She'll usually mention later she "needs" a smoothie.)

What else..Skylee is addicted to using camel baks for drinking since our camp trip. At least she's drinking more water! (our little kool aid junkie) And oh! We made pine cone bird feeders. We are still waiting for the bird to find them...