Fathers and Flashlights

We have heard about Fathers and Flashlights for years but this weekend was our first time to participate in this "urban camping adventure" that is a fundraiser for the West U Parks.  

We've been planning for Fathers and Flashlights for a few weeks because we needed to stock up on camping gear.  We needed everything from a tent and sleeping bags to lanterns!  Gene was on his own for tent set-up, so he got an easy-to-assemble tent.  On his practice run, he had it set up in our backyard in just minutes.  The little boys were so excited to go camping with Daddy!

Gene and a couple hundred other dads set up their tents on the grounds of Will's school Saturday afternoon. It was hot!

The boys found snow cones to cool off.

And then it was off to scope out the activities.  They had everything: bounce houses, rock climbing, fishing, pony rides, tree planting, tie-dying t-shirts, and much much more!  Here's Henry is a huge inflated ball.

All the moms signed up for volunteer duties.  I helped out with the inflatable Jacob's ladder and got a fancy new t-shirt.

After the boys ate dinner and my volunteer shift was over, I got to hang out with my boys for a little bit.  

The "campground" at night.  

It was a late night!  The lights went out on the entire grounds at 9:30 but apparently the kids ran around with their flashlights for another hour until everyone crashed around 10:30 pm!  Henry was ready for bed.

A cold front came in over night, and temps dropped down to 55 by Sunday morning.  The boys enjoyed donuts and hot chocolate before I picked everyone up.

I am so glad we got to participate in Fathers and Flashlights this year!  The weather was great, the event is incredibly well run, and we all had so much fun.  I'm already looking forward to many more years of camping adventures.