Camping!!!

Mema and Papa!

Last weekend we went on our first camping trip with BOTH sets of grandparents! My Mom and Dad recently purchased their first camper, and we were all very excited to have them join us.  We reserved three pull thru sites all side by side. One for our pop up, one for Adam's parents, and the third for my Mom and Dad.  We all  met in Independence Kansas where Ryan was going to run a 50k trail race.  Yes, that is 31 miles over cliffs, rocks, mud, trees etc.  I know, I think he has been hanging out with the wrong crowd. But what can you do?

Breakfast of champions!

Looking for Ryan

Saturday while Ryan was out running (for 11 hours) the rest of us spent the day at our campsite, ate some food, went on walks, played at the playground, and then headed up to the finish line to greet Ryan as he finished.  I had never been to a race before, and was surprised by how exciting it was to cheer on the runners as they came in! It was unbelievable to think about the accomplishment they had all achieved. Just amazing to think that anyone would be so determined as to run for hours, in the rain... for  really no reason at all!! They did get a medal of some sort... but I'm pretty sure you can get medals for much easier tasks! haha!  Anyways, we all anxiously waited and anticipated his arrival.  I think he calculated how to get the most excitement out of the race by waiting till the absolute LAST minute to make his arrival! They had to finish in under 11 hours to be considered a 'finisher' and Ryan came in at 10 hours, 59 minutes and 41 seconds!!! We were all yelling "RUN!!!"" and cheering and ringing those silly cowbells.  We weren't sure if he was going to punch us, or if he loved us :)

Finisher!!

Jack and Grandpa

Saturday night we invited Ryan to forgo his tent and share Jack's bed in the camper.  He seemed happy to avoid sleeping on the ground, but didn't get much sleep anyways.  I think his body was in a little bit of shock.  He shivered and said he was freezing despite the space heater, 3 blankets, a hoodie sweatshirt and jeans.

NonaJane helping Ryan tear down the tent

On Sunday, we headed over to the city park, which turned out to be AWESOME. They had a free zoo, train rides, and an old carousel for 5 cents a person!  The zoo was impressive! We saw monkeys, a bear, macaws, giant tortoises, and more. We even got to play putt putt (Jacks FAVORITE pastime) and it was only a $1 a person.  Seriously, Independence Kansas knows how to provide a GREAT park!
We are all excited to go back to Independence Kansas for another camping trip.  It is pretty equal driving distance for us all, so a nice place to meet. Ryan says he is going to run the trail run again next year.. so we will be there with our bells on (cow bells that is).

NonaJane in her rain/mud boots. Does it get any cuter? I think not

Gathering at the finish line. Keeper joined us too :)

Grandma and Grandpa's set up

Our fancy camper. Mema had a great shot of our camper looking nice and 'white trashy' in the morning after an animal tore into our garbage. It was spread all around the camper. Nice.. real nice

Mema and Papa's set up