Toddlers Take Over Westmoreland State Park, VA

After dealing with 5 days and nights of Linus being sick, we were ready for a much anticipated trip in to nature.

The camping trip was scheduled to coincide with a visit from Lola, who flew all the way out just to spend time with us.

Before we got to the park to check into our cabin, we stopped at Westmoreland Berry Farm for one of Ellie's favorite summertime activities-- berry picking! It was quite hot so the boys elected to sit in the car in the shade...

..while mom and I made like migrant farm workers, nabbing a bucket each of blueberries and blackberries.

The guys did manage to leave the car for a much needed lemonade and ice cream break. Linus the baby bird says "Feed me pappa! Beep! Beep!"

Westmoreland State Park was just 15 minutes away, and we checked into our 2 bedroom cabin. The place had everything-- air conditioning (important for those of us with child), screened in porch (because the bugs get kind of ridiculous), a BBQ, and a perfect-for-eating-outside deck. And can you believe the view? I felt like I was on the California coast!

The men and women separated like oil and water pretty quickly. Guys got to work on the fire, the ladies watched the kids and organized the homestead. You would think that a trip with 4 families with 4 toddlers under 2 would be pretty chaotic, but as you can see below the kids were pretty much under control. Until they weren't...

Gracie and Israel contributed some bomb Mexican appetizers-- chili lime chicken wings and grilled tostadas.

Soccer balls were kicked, water was splashed, and babies ran away like a pack of wild hyenas. And it's not a party unless Linus (or Mattias) loses his pants.

The first day wrapped up pretty late with the parents staying up to drink and roast marshmallows. The kids stayed up past their regular bed times, too.

Part II coming up next.