Annual Small Group Camping Trip

I suppose hearing about camping is getting a little old, but for us camping is a big part of summer. Last week our small group went on our second annual camping trip. This is a big deal considering I had to twist several arms last year to get some of our small groupies to come camping. And last year wasn't even that great of an experience. We ended up going the weekend after the 4th and it was VERY crowded and it was like 95 degrees! So, I was kind-of surprised at how easily everyone agreed to come this year. Anyway, we all headed up to Happy Hallow Campground just outside of Starved Rock. The campground was really nice (we had gone there on Mother's Day weekend with the Bards) and we had our own little section to ourselves. The afternoon and evening went really well. We went swimming and then grilled some awesome steaks (thanks to the grill master Joe!) and yummy baked potatoes (thanks to Kerry). We relaxed by the fire and did the whole smores thing. About 2:00 in the morning it started to rain and did not stop until around 9:00. Needless to say that those who were not safe and comfy in the tent trailer, got soaked! After awhile everyone got over that and I was impressed by the good attitudes. We had breakfast, went hiking, went swimming and then we went to the local movie theater and saw Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D. Not worth the $40 in my opinion, but the kids had a blast. We drove back to the campground and made ourselves some tacos. After the kids were safetly tucked in, we sat around the fire and talked and laughed and were much too loud for our neighbors preference, I'm sure! Around midnight it started to storm, so we said good night and headed for cover. Some time during this pretty impressive storm, Tim and Brandie and kids made a dash for their car and headed home. Apparently, rain was getting in their tent, their son was crying because of the storm, Brandie cut her hand on something trying to find her keys in the dark and then to make matters worse, somehow two frogs had gotten inside their tent! Not the ideal camping experience. Now how am I going to get them to come next year?