Camping with Kids: as it happened

Well, the camping trip actually happened, and it was awesome! We rolled into the hills by the sea, a little nervous but mostly excited, and before long, the adventure we’d imagined unfolded in the best possible way. There were a few surprises (the good kind), a bit of chaos (also the good kind), and more giggles and dirt-rolling than I’d hoped for.

Our little camp, perched on a hill with a view of the sea, became home in no time. The kids didn’t waste a second racing off to explore the trails and the campsite. But it didn’t stop there. As if the universe knew we were in for something special, we ended up with some company. Friends we hadn’t planned on seeing coincidentally turned up at the same campsite, so suddenly, our little adventure became a big, joyful party.

There was swimming in the sea (luckily the water still holding on to its summer warmth), paddle boarding with wobbly legs, and hiking up the trails to see what lay beyond the next hill. The kids enjoyed the campsite playground, a perfect break between all the nature adventures. Evenings were spent with our buddies, roasting marshmallows—sticky fingers and all—as the sea breeze cooled the air and the stars popped into view. So many stars!

Our tent, which I feared might turn into a battle zone of restless sleep, turned out to be a little haven. We all snuggled up side by side, cozy and warm, with the sound of the sea in the background. And let’s not forget the birds—there were nests right above us in the trees, and the kids loved watching them swoop in and out, busy with their own little lives. We even had goats for neighbors. Yep, cool, wild, pretty goats.

Mornings brought their own set of adventures—and a bit of grumpiness too. Turns out, a bumpy night’s sleep and the excitement of being in the wild led to some early morning grumbles. But in true family fashion, we managed to overcome it all with what we like to call the "joys of the second breakfast." With porridge bubbling away on our little stove, the kids slowly returned to their playful selves, and before we knew it, everyone was ready for another round of fun.

Sure, there were moments of tiredness, and yes, a few squabbles broke out (as they do). But they were small hiccups in what was otherwise a perfect escape. Between the sea, the hills, and the company of friends, this trip was more than we imagined. It was one of those times where you pause and have a movie moment—“this is what it’s all about.”

So, will we do it again? Absolutely. We’re almost looking forward to it—but yeah, a little break first... Because camping with kids may be messy, but it’s the kind of mess we love and that packs you full of memories.

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Camping with Kids: Imagining the Adventure