Camping

As the weather changed Bran and Nuala had been itching to go camping for real (not just in the backyard) so we all ventured out for the first time with Maeve in tow to a nice spot we found in the Vitosha Mountains about 20 minutes from our house. Bran and Nuala were ecstatic and very gung-ho in helping set up camp and collecting wood for a fire.

Bran and Nuala with Maeve squeezed in at their feet, we all five fit snug in our 4 man tent!

Maeve (just over 4 months) was just happy to be along even if she had to wait in the pile of stuff being unloaded from the car

Just about always happy, even when Mommy shamelessly uses her to spruce up pictures

It took Daddy about 45 minutes to get decent coals for marshmallow roasting on account of rain the previous night and all the wood being soaked through. So Bran and Nuala explored the campsite and Nuala made friends with the locals.

A little slug that somehow hopped onto Nuala's neck

A poor snail that was not at all alarmed at having his eyes poked repeatedly

Ah, free to roam once again

A couple weeks later we took Curtis and Mia, friends from church, to show them our campsite. Mia was ecstatic since it was her first time camping. The spot we found is in this beautiful mountain meadow next to a stream. The stream has mud puppies and crawdads, and there are little trails leading into the mountains making it perfect for exploring. At night there are even fireflies which come out and twinkle everywhere, perfect. Mommy and Maeve decided not to come.

Mia and Bran eating hotdogs, Bulgarian style

Home for the night

No trip would be complete without ample rock throwing, the competition was on to see who could make the biggest splash

Luckily the commisary had one bag of marshmallows left, no grahm crackers though

The last weekend of July we went one more time and invited Curtis and Mia again, and a family from the embassy that was searching for a good close spot to camp.

Little pyro's, it's funny how kids naturally gravitate towards burning sticks when there is a campfire

Nuala checking out the thunderclouds

We so love the mountains behind our house. Every time we go out for some hiking or camping we find something new. We will definitely be spending a lot more time exploring!