Stars and Tents Weekend

This weekend was special, because it was our first time camping together in a tent, and we were at a star party!

The star party campout was unique in that there were no campfires and everyone used red lights to avoid light pollution and disturbing night vision.

Can you spot the moon in the picture below right ? Kate spotted the faint little sliver without help! We saw five planets Friday night, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Earth. We also had a laser pointer demonstration of constellations and how to find other objects in the night sky. Some of the "amateur" astronomers had amazing telescopes there!

We hiked a little ways in the park with friends the next morning.

Then we had some group activities, including acting out Skylore stories read by Dayle Brown!

A water bottle rocket launcher provided laughs and delight.

An approximately-to-scale planet frisbee golf/basket game kept the kids busy!

A much needed ice cream break when we returned home from the heat. We each picked out a topping... Caramel for Colin, Sprinkles for Kate, and Heath Shell for Dad.

We had a lazy and playful Sunday afternoon to wrap up our time together. Kate drew, colored, and cutout this fairy, while Colin played with some of my old farm toys.