Lessons Learned 92/365

Since our last day of spring break fun got rained out, we decided to postpone it until Saturday night.  So Saturday morning we checked the weather, and the rain was supposed to move out by lunch, the evening would be all clear.  So after lunch, we dried out the tent, and we moved mattresses outside.  We also set up a TV and DVD player.  We got our fire wood and fire pit ready.  We picked out two movies from red box and headed to the store to get stuff to make smores and microwave popcorn.  We were all set.

Paul even came home early and helped Hunter start the fire.  The excitement was building and they all couldn't wait to settle into the tent after dinner for movies, smores, and popcorn.

As we ate dinner on the back porch we watched as a thunderstorm rolled in.  I couldn't believe it.  I ran to the computer and checked the weather and it had changed to 100% chance of precipitation.  Paul helped me pull the mattresses back in.  We made a few quick smores then put water on the fire to put it out since the winds had picked up.  Then instead of camping outside, we camped in the living room.  I'll be honest, we had a few tears.  They had been looking forward to our camp out, and the living room just didn't live up to the fun they were hoping to have.  I'll admit, I was disappointed too.  However, it was a great teachable moment about how things don't always work out like we have planned.  We will try camping outside another night.

They also finished out their budgeting lesson.  Our camp out cost us $13.17.  It left them with $3.43.  They have now put that money back into the change jar so it will be there for their next set of adventures.  They have had a great time this week living off of the spare change.  I even heard one of them today telling a friend about all the fun we had.  This child had just gotten back from Disney and after they heard all the excitement we had, he said, "I wish I was part of your family."  I had to smile at that one.  We really did have a great week and I am grateful that I have four kids who have had fun living on our budget.