I’m always sad to see Summer go. Gone are the carefree nights, late bedtimes, and Sunday Fundays poolside. Back into the early bedtimes, homework, lunches, and busy schedules. We ended summer this year with a camping weekend with some friends and it was one of the BEST weekends we had all summer. The kids had the time of their lives. And being “off-season,” it was super affordable.

We headed to Whispering Pines in Hope Valley, RI. Sounds like the title of a bad horror flick, but the place was great! It was loaded with seasonal people and lots of kids. We even let the kids run off to the Rec Hall unsupervised (or as Deacon called it, “the recall”). That term was confusing as he popped his head in my tent at 7AM. They made a bunch of friends and really loved and respected the independence given. It was like we were warped back in time to when I was growing up and you could go off on your bikes with friends and you were safe. The place was so kid-friendly. At 9:30AM on Saturday the campground did a craft station for the kids. No additional cost and they supplied the crafts. The kids made these great candy holders and were so proud of them.

They of course hid in the tent 20 minutes later and ate ALL of the candy.

The campground also had their own catch and release pond, so we filled the cooler and headed down with our fishing poles. For the first time ever my children listened to my husband in regards to casting, waiting, and reeling. They all caught fish.

They also provided row boats and canoes to use on the pond if you wanted to.

Saturday night was their annual chili cook-off, for which my husband and his cousin are convinced it was rigged and only seasonal people could win. I can’t say I disagree, I tasted the winners and my boys should had at least 2nd place. The evening was filled with bocce, basketball, ice cream, and live music. The musician they had was AWESOME!! The kids danced, we all danced, and Logan declared it the BEST family night ever. They were tuckered out by the end.

I’m just so grateful that this was the way we ended our summer. With great company at a great place, making amazing memories that I know they are going to cherish as much as I am. I can’t wait to go back again next year.