This year, we went camping a few times from April through August. I know why I do it, but sometimes I don’t understand why I do it.

It’s a lot of fun for the kids but a lot of work for me. I have to pack up everything for the trip, get on the road for a few hours, and set up and maintain a temporary home for the next few days.

But the kids love it! They have such a great time. My husband and I are at the behest of whatever they want to do, wherever it is. I sometimes opt out of whatever little adventure they have planned while I try to steal little vacation moments for myself. Good thing my husband has a lot of patience and is all for getting the kids doing outdoorsy stuff. He’s always the fun guy when we’re out camping, and I’m happy to relinquish that role to him.

So it’s really not that very relaxing for either of us unless the kids are passed out sleeping. That’s one good thing about camping though, the kids go to bed much easier and earlier than usual. Then we leave the kids asleep in the camper for a few minutes while we take a quiet walk in the dark around the campground with the dogs.

Camping is a lot of fun, and we get to enjoy some of the most gorgeous, scenic areas in California. I sometimes take the kids by myself when my husband is too busy with work to take time off. I just like to take advantage of the summer season. It just goes by too quickly.

Sure, it can get stressful at times. There’s such a mess at home before we leave and an even bigger one when we get back. But it’s all worth it, really.

We have the best memories of our kids’ good times. I just hope they remember and treasure these trips when they’ve grown up.