The great outdoors

10 adults, 9 children, no toys or electricity, camping at Eagle Rock for 2 nights. Noah had the time of his life (literally). He loved having all the kids around for the entire three days, for him it must of felt like a 72 hour play date. He was in kiddy heaven. All the children were perfectly well behaved. They were all so kind and patient with one another and I think Noah will miss all the attention they lavished on him.

It was quite amazing how the children coped (or thrived) in the natural play environment. The children were all given plenty of freedom while we were away (and yes they played with the fire) and I am sure they all did some other crazy, dangerous things but amazingly no one was hurt. For me, it proved that giving children freedom to explore and make their own decisions is essential for their development. Letting toddlers and young children take risks now may mean that as teenagers they don't feel the need to take life threatening risks. Hears hoping anyway!!!

We had a great time with some of our fabulous friends from Tammin. I am hoping this is something we continue to do in the future with the same group of people. They were all so fun and easy to be around. Thanks for a great couple of days guys.

Two cute little bush babies.

The 5 vehicle convoy on the way there.

Could he get any cooler?

Setting up our borrowed camper-van. Thanks Dozer & Lisa.

Amanda

Below is a picture of the kids' cubby house, which they had made before we had even finished setting up our camp. The cubby house also had a shoe rack (pictured above).

Tom

Tom again. Dinner on the first night.

Chelsea

Breakfast. 1 bowl of chocolaty sugary crap coming right up!!!!

Can you imagine waking up looking this good every morning?

At the top of Eagle Rock

A friendship blossoming.

Stuart's amazing "getting back to nature" outdoor shower.

I forgot they did have toys... only these marbles, a few matchie cars and sports equipment.

Stuart.... Camper extraordinaire

Eating a crackle

Must have sat on a crackle

Kate

Morris

Louie

Noah, Chelsea, Ruby & Louie. In the mornings Ruby would knock on our door wanting Noah to come play with her. On the last day Ruby was actually in our camper-van before Noah had even woken up. He could hardly believe what he was seeing when he opened his little eyes. His very best friend in the whole world was right there beckoning him to come play with her. Too sweet Rubes!!!!!

Sid & Emma