The last few days have been a little insane. We are getting ready for the clan camping trip to Mt. Rainer. Who's going? Me, John, Rose, David, my mom, my sister, brother-in-law, two nieces, and my brother-in-law's parents. At the last minute his sister couldn't make it. So, that's 11 adults and 4 kids. It's been a flurry of hunting for the winter gloves, rearranging the tent configurations, and the kids, in their overexcitement, beating up on each other. I like prep. I don't like rushed crazy stressful prep.

In the last hour it's starting to come together. We have the problem that my back has gone out the last three camping trips. Yeah, it totally sucks. We tried the regular sleeping pad and the big blow up thingy. This time we ordered a cot which finally arrived today. I feel a bit like a wimp, like why don't I pack a king sized bed and a Jacuzzi while we are at it, but, in fact, my back problems are real and if this keeps me from giving up camping all together, then it's the right thing to do.

We are trying to do as much prep as possible beforehand. This means tonight I'm going to make 2 tofu pickle sandwiches for me, 7 cheesy bread with caper sandwiches for Rose (because that's what she'll eat for every meal!), cheesy rice for David, slice all the bread for the kids, and where are we going to fit the kitchen sink?