We spontaneously rented a cabin at a nearby regional park. We wanted to give Sam a last-of-the-season opportunity to fish. We also wanted a couple of days with just our family to be in the woods and get away from home. We've always been tent campers and we love to cook outside, etc. We didn't go that route for several reasons: 1) the warm weather is past and it's just too cold at night for the littlest ones. 2) It's a major production to pack and prepare for a "rustic" trip with six young children. We decided on the next step up, a rustic cabin. This one-room cabin would have a roof, a wood stove, beds, a stove and refrigerator. Just enough extra convenience to reduce the amount of effort and discomfort. Well, what ended up happening was the park manager called and us and said that the forecast was COLD and very WET. He upgraded us to a modern cabin at no additional cost. So...it didn't end up being very similar to camping but it was a blessing in light of the weather. The modern cabin has two bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and kitchen. Oh, and a bathroom. No outhouse visits in the rain. :) Hot water (not to mention running water) and electric heat with a thermostat were the other major conveniences. I also didn't have to pack as much because all dishes and cookware were supplied. Since we had this cozy cabin for such a great rate, we asked if we could stay another night and we enjoyed a lovely mini-vacation, huddled together getting dry from our occasional excursions out into the rain.
Our first meal in the little dining room.
This "camping" trip was great for our family. It was wonderful to have a couple of days with no distractions or responsibilities that we could just play with the kids. We played lots of games and did a lot of reading aloud to each other. We rested. We talked. It was great. The Lord worked out the details and we were so thankful for the renewed feeling in the relationships with the kids. I think it was what we needed after a busy summer.