Well we got back from our camping trip in Northern Minn. this afternoon. We were at the Jackpine Retreat with a bunch of other Christians and we had a wonderful time! When we got home (it is around a 2 hour trip for us, long enough to get our naps on the way) we eagerly cleaned up as we had to go with no showers as the shower wasn't working this year and I got the clothes started washing.It was a beautiful weekend for camping as long as you don't mind some rather cool weather. On Friday night it got down to freezing. There was ice on the bucket of water in the morning. I was very thankful that we had brought as many blankets as we had (and then my mom brought extra and she made sure that all her grandchildren were all bundled up.) and I was very thankful for the hats and mittens and all the layers of clothes we had packed. With the cool weather we really enjoyed the hot chocolate and hot apples cider.
At camp we had a wonderful time visiting and playing with friends. We also enjoyed singing and preaching around the campfire. Ken and my brother along with some other friends enjoyed going fishing on the Rainy River on Saturday afternoon. They are showing their catch of Northern below. One of the other pictures shows several of us up on old electrical spools. One of the sports at Jackpine is racing while on spools. I also had fun playing volleyball and others played football, soccer and croquet. This kids roamed the woods, played in the sandbox and on the swings and slide and in general had a great time. Last night after the kids were in bed Ken and I stayed up late playing a game of Rook with friends. All in all it was a great weekend and we are looking forward to next year!
Here is a recipe for a Hot Chocolate Mix:
6 1/2 cups dry milk
3/4 cups instant dry creamer
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup cocoa
(sometimes I will use around 2 cups of chocolate drink mix instead of the sugar and cocoa)
Mix everything together and store in a dry, sealed container. To use it put around 1/3 cup of the mix in a cup and then fill with hot water and stir well.
We enjoy this mix and it is much cheaper and healthier (you get some real milk) than store bought hot chocolate mix. This is an essential camping food in our estimation!
