The winter rains are finally over, and summer’s peeking around the corner. We don’t do spring in Northern California, or at least I skip it in my head. The coldest month here is usually February, and the chill bleeds into March, sometimes through April. Then the kids are out of school in what May, then it’s summertime! Spring might drop by for a quick bite, but I don’t notice. I’ve got my eyes set on summer.

Then it’s camping season, that vacation feeling with lots of packing and driving and more sun. It’s a lot of work, but I love doing it. And I’m good at it, too! I’ll pack everyone’s clothes, then stock up on food and snacks. My husband always says I bring too much, even though I’ve been trying to cut it down each year. I can’t help it. I enjoy cooking while camping, too!

I also bring paraphernalia for camping and lake activities. I don’t believe I go overboard. Psh. I like to say I’m prepared and not hindered by any lack of equipment. Besides, I’m the one that packs everything anyway. And I love surprising my family with the perfect doohickey for some setting or activity, like Mary Poppins with her magical black bag of wonders. Except mine comes out of the belly of our camper, stowed and hidden well away from my husband’s skeptical disposition until it’s not.

Later, he’ll say all that work was worth it, especially when the kids have so much fun. Because this is what summer’s about for us – being outside together, getting dirty, smelling like campfire smoke, and making s’mores every day. Baths, schmaths.