Marcus and I joined my family for our newly establish Waits Camping trip! This is our second year packing up the truck camping with my family so it is officially an annual thing now! That is just how my family works.
That all being said, it was a time to unplug and just be present with my family. It is SO freeing to just have your phone out of juice not feeling the addictive urge to check it every second. All the photos you see on this blog were taken by my family members.
We did a two night camping stay at Minnesota's St. Croix State Park! It is only about an hour and forty minutes outside of the twin cities close to Hinckley. We made our way with all the weekly rush to you fantasy cabin people up north. This camping trip was the first time we took our dog Dunder with us! Spoiler but he did amazing!
The moment we stepped out of the truck I think I got bit by all the mosquitoes. So the entire weekend was all bug spray all the time.
My family is a very laid back family for the most part so we enjoyed the weather exploring that trails in the park. My Sister Jenny brought her Great Dane, Backup so Dunder would have someone to walk with! The woods around the campsite was so green and plush! The State Park Campsite also had events for everyone to join in on. My brother and dad won at Bird Bingo. Our second night there they had a painting demonstration where we all got to paint a bear in the woods! Jiwon (our honorary sister who was also able to join us on her FIRST camping trip ever) and I went a little off the grid and did night bears instead. All our art work was so beautiful but my Mom's was the favorite by far.
She just has a talent for anything she tries naturally.
That night we got some pizza locally, because it is not a complete camping trip with the Waits clan unless there is one night where we have a bonfire pizza! Over all the bonfires and laughs my nephew Ben and my dog Dunder's bond grew. Ben was bringing everything to Dunder for show and tell which any attention the dog just loves. It was a really cute love story to see unfold right before our eyes. Did you know Ben can say Dunder's name clear as a bell but Marcus and I are still Mar and Ma. How does that work?
Our last morning there all of us got to try archery for the first time for most of us! Not to toot my own horn but I got in the middle area and kicked Marcus's butt! I am really glad we got to try it!
We packed up and Marcus and I headed to the Fire Tower in the Park. It was SO tall. The fire tower is well above the tree line and can see both MN and WI. Both our legs were burning by the time we got back down from that height.
The last leg of our version of camping, we stopped at Tobies off 94. Now, if you don't know what Tobie's is it is a restaurant and the food is ok. BUT they are better known for their bakery which is AMAZING! If you ever drive by you need to Stop your car and get yourself one of their Caramel Rolls or donuts! It was Marcus's first time and he LOVED it!
Looking forward to next years Waits Annual Camping Trip!
