Last weekend, the Ruffs and Zeglens got together for their annual fall break campout. Does anyone know what the weather was like last weekend in Huntsville? Wet. and Cold. So, Friday night we drove down in the dark (with some intense thunderstorms and creepy detours) and stayed at the Ruffs house because the park ranger had sent them down the mountain we were (supposed to be) camping on because of the tornado watch. Fun, fun. All eight girls piled into their family room for the night. Woke up in the morning, ate breakfast in their kitchen, and then packed up all our sleeping stuff and clothes and headed up the mountain. We set up our 4-6 person tent and made a sleeping bag arrangement so that we could succesfully stuff 8 girls in there. Easier said than done. Then we did what we do best. We took pictures!! We went to the playground and overlook and took pictures until the clouds came so low that we couldn't see 10 feet in front of us. Creepy. We walked the mile (approximately) back to the campsite in the mist. Upon arriving in the camp, we were immediately summoned to a "family meeting" called by Uncle T. Uh-oh. Never good news. Turns out, this time was no different. Turns out, the dads thought it would be too cold and wet to stay on the mountain Saturday night. So, we packed up the tent and sleeping supplies AGAIN, and headed back down the mountain. Did I mention it took over an hour to get the tent set up and everyone settled inside?! We were not happy campers at that point. :) Anyway, we got over it and set up "camp" again in the Ruffs' family room. Sunday morning... woke up, packed up all our stuff into the car, went back up the mountain, and did a repeat of last years' experiment w/diet coke and mentos. It wasn't quite as much fun when we actually knew what we were doing. ;) Had lunch on Sunday and did skits in front of the fire for about two hours. Then we had to leave. *sob, sob* So, we didn't actually sleep in a tent or have to make any food at the campsite besides sandwiches and dessert. :) This year was our "not-camping camping trip" with the Ruffs. Can't wait for next year!


Pictures in the mist:

More pics coming soon!! (another cliff hanger for you Adrian :)

So, it's officially October. Okay, so it was actually officially October yesterday, but hey, at least I got it in the first week! :) So, does anyone who reads this know what is happening next weekend? Hmm? Well, if you don't know, you should. It's the official annual Ruff-Zeglen campout. Now, if you aren't a Ruff or a Zeglen, you may want to stop reading this simply because

No, this isn't really about IKEA. Let me explain. This Sunday, we took Kathy to the American Girl Doll Store in Atlanta, GA for Kathy's birthday. It was tons of fun! Sarah Mary, and I all took our old dolls and we had a party! We had lunch there, and our dolls got there own chairs and everything! Kathy was thrilled. It was a total surprise for her. She thought we were going furniture shopping at IKEA. Haha. Then she got to pick out stuff for her birthday present from the three girls. Mom and Sarah snuck away to buy a surprise present for Kathy to actually open on her birthday. What a thought. :) That is traditionally how it's done, is it not?