I dream of Agnes

Okay, so there is freezing rain today. Spring is still here, technically, and we can pretend that it is balmy outside. And once that balmy springtime sun starts shining, I start dreaming of camping – of roasted hotdogs and marshmallows, of wilderness walks and lazy beach naps.

This year, we have a baby in the mix, so there will likely be fewer spiderdogs and more baby-consoling-sessions, fewer lazy naps and more games of keep-the-baby-on-the-beach-blanket. Camping will likely be a bit more complicated this year.

Adding to the complication is determining what we need to bring camping and how to get it there. How will we fit all of our stuff, and D's stuff, in the car? Where will he sleep, since we can't stuff his Pack n' Play in our small tent? What if it's raining the whole time? What if he can't sleep?

I spent some time looking for tips online, and it was then that I stumbled upon the Big Agnes Flying Diamond on MEC's website. And my, she is lovely. We could fit several Pack n' Plays in there! We could spread out a few blankets for D to play on if it rains. And, God willing, should we have more children, we could easily fit them in there, too.

Ben says we should hold off and see how it goes this year, making use of what we do have. There is wisdom in that. But still, I dream of Agnes.

I'd love to hear from you. What are essentials for camping with a baby? Any tips, suggestions? We really do need Agnes, right!?