Camping with our Toddler

So, we have taken Joey camping a couple times since he has been born.  However, we had not taken him camping since he formed an opinion on life.   We finally tried the whole camping thing again over Memorial Day weekend. 

Let's just say, Michael is in no rush to go tent camping with Joey anytime soon.  Joey's bedtime is around 630 P.M....he did not go to sleep until 1215 AM!  And that is not because of us not trying!   

We let Joey play and play outside until he started to get super fussy and rubbing his eyes (sure signs of sleepy time) and then we would go lay with Joey in the tent.  Didn't work.  Then after hanging out in the tent for 30-45 minutes, we would let him go back outside and play some more.  Then back into the tent.  Then back outside.  Repeat.  Repeat.  Repeat!  So frustrating! 

We think the problems were that bedtime was in a new location, his routine was completely different, and it was super bright in the tent!  Michael, eventually, put a tarp over our tent to help block out some of the light.  This helped a little bit.  We had also uploaded a white noise application on my iPhone.  We played that app to help block out the laughing and talking from the peeps by the campfire.  Joey eventually passed out, but I really think he was just so exhausted since it was six hours past his normal bedtime!  We had to get up around 615 AM due to the river coming into our tent!!  So, Joey was super fussy the next day!  He did sleep most of our four hour drive home, though! 

Michael is really burnt out from camping with Joey after that one-night adventure.  However, when we leave Alaska, we do plan on driving and camping most of the way.  This will definitely be a very interesting and TIRING road trip.  I'm hoping that after a few days, Joey's new routine will be one of camping and traveling.  It seems like every routine/habit takes three days to break or start.  Hopefully, Joey takes after his Marine daddy...adapt and overcome!