Backyard Camping

Matt took Owen camping in the backyard Monday night. Owen helped Dad set up the tent, and then ran inside for blankets, Bobs, and sleeping bags. He was not too excited to come back inside for dinner (we had planned on a picnic outside, but the wind started up).
Owen zoomed through dinner & raced back outside. When Matt didn't come immediately after, Owen came running back hollering "Dad, are you coming? Dad, camping? Daaaaaaaad?"
They finally settled in & wouldn't you know, it started raining! Then pouring!
I brought out pajamas for them, and they read books and talked until Dad finally told Owen it was time to sleep.
Eden and I slept in, and then woke the boys up at 7:15 a.m. (Yes, that's considered sleeping in at our house.)
Owen had so much fun. He's such a great kid. Can I tell you a few of the reasons why he's so cool?

• He's earnestly polite. We taught him "thank you", but he learned "you're welcome" on his own. He says "bless you" when you sneeze or cough, and rarely forgets to say "excuse me" when he burps or....*gasp* farts.
• He's an encourager--he'll pat me on the back and tell me "good job, momma" during the day. He also tells me at dinner time "Good dinner, momma." He picked that up just listening to his dad--this makes my heart explode. Last night, he said it over & over & over. He apparently really liked the spaghetti.
• He's sensitive to other's needs. When friends come over, he wants to take their shoes (Owen thinks bare foot is the better way to go, & I agree), give them water, and make sure they're happy.
• He loves to laugh & make other people laugh. He can be very silly at a second's notice.

I'm stopping myself, because I know this post could go on forever. I'll post pictures from the camping trip as soon as I can find where the camera got stashed.