1st Overnighter w/ Asst. Zookeeper

The Asst. Zookeeper has been taking the Heathens camping since before they could walk.  But it was something special when he and Heathen #1 went on their first overnighter with the Scouts.  I wasn't sure who was more excited that evening as they set off into the woods together.

This past weekend, it was Heathen #2's turn for that first trip into the woods with just the Asst. Zookeeper.  Since he was old enough, that meant he needed a new external frame pack and a zero-degree sleeping bag.  Here he is all geared-up:

At this point, Heathen #2 was impatiently waiting for the Asst. Zookeeper to finish getting ready (he'd just come running in the door from work!)

When they were finally both ready, they humored me:

I said: "Pretend you are hiking"
Heathen #2: "Really?"
Asst. Zookeeper: "The faster you play
along with your mother, the faster we leave."

I said: "Look like you are having fun!"

I said:  "Pose and look manly!"

Asst. Zookeeper said: "Now point at something and look interested!"

They came home the following morning, tired, smelling of campfire, and thoroughly content.  Heathen #2 had a million stories to tell me - including how they made omelets in a bag!

The Asst. Zookeeper had a very tired, but satisfied look on his face.  His only comment was, "He had a good time."