Wow, I was so wrong!  Camping is totally in my comfort zone!  We had a blast. 

After a futile attempt to get EVERYTHING into the Acadia, we started over packing up the truck (I really was opposed to this at first, not wanting to appear too much like a redneck).  Even in the truck it was a very tight squeeze.  We were in the car pool like at 2:00 pm and Stella burst out of the school doors at 2:20 "like a bat out of hell"! 

Pulled into Stone Mountain to find we had the best site in the campground.  Absolutely beautiful, lake views and tons of space for the girls to explore.  Set up was a breeze thanks to the mandatory tent practice at home.  Tony and I worked together like one :).  Tent - check, air mattress - check, "kitchen - check, pillows - oh shit!  While Tony started up a fire, I hoped back in the truck and off to get pillows, because I had NO intention of laying my head down that night without one.  I passed the Walmart because I had already exceeded the yearly number of trips my brain can tolerate and found a no-name linen store.  I wasn't able to find anything down, but then realized we were "roughing it" so I settled for an average poly stuffed pillow.

Back at camp Tony had the brats boiling in beer, the beans on the stove and a glass of wine in his hand (hey, why not).  Rachel was working out her crankies on her own and it's best to let her do this WITHOUT making eye contact to avoid getting the stink eye. 

Stella had discovered a very interesting creature in the site next to us and was formulating the best way to catch her prey!  "Prey" was sitting on a large rock, looking out at the lake while his family was setting up their site.  Poor "prey" had no idea what was about to happen, that I almost felt sorry for him, almost.  His peaceful private reflection was disturbed by the rustling of the pine straw as Stella poorly attempted her "stealth" approach.  Startled, the "prey" tensed and shifted, ready to bolt.  Stella noticing she had been spotted, stopped and fained interest in the bark of a large tree; both waiting to see who would make the next move.   Stella, very slowly and deliberately took one step in "prey's" direction and then in the move that sealed his fate, "prey" lunged to the left.  Found he had gone in a direction that lead NO WHERE, Stella was easily able to close the gap that would lead "prey" back to the safety of his family.  Trapped!  Stella wins!  To his credit, "prey" accepted his fate like a man and said hello.  Stella beamed over her victory and "prey" was left to do her bidding for the rest of the trip.  "Prey" turned out to have a name, Billy, age 9 and quite nice. 

After a fantastic dinner out in the clean fresh air, the marshmallows and jiffy pop were bust out of the supplies bin.  The only thing missing were some campfire song (I don't sing).  A final jaunt to the bathroom and we all got tucked into our airbeds.  Stella fell asleep the moment her head hit her cheap pillow (she was exhausted after her hunting expedition).  Rachel on the other had decided she needed to watch a little Kung Pu Panda on daddies laptop.  I just sat in my airbed feeling happy!

There is no better way to start a morning than with freshly brewed french press java accompanied by scrambled eggs, hash browns and sausage!  Rachel spent the morning searching for pine cones and Stella spent the morning searching for Billy.  When Tony and I finally made it into real clothes, we headed over to the park area, where Stella bravely completed the high ropes course of Camp Highland!  Do you feel sorry for the attendant who had the misfortune of telling Rachel she was not tall enough to accompany her big sister and daddy?  It's sad to see a grown boy cower at a 3 year old!  So Rachel had to be pacified by stuffing her belly with soft pretzels and playing in her own private stream that was conveniently located where I could still watch Tony and Stella swinging in the trees. 

Back at camp, Rachel and I napped before dinner while Tony and Stella manned the fire (they were simpatico after "mastering" the ropes).  Dinner was steak, diced potatoes and grilled zucchini and squash, followed of course by smores and more jiffy pop!  Then we were off to watch the laser/fireworks show.  We made it though about half when I felt the lightest drop of rain on my shoulder.  We grabbed the chairs and the girls and made it back to the tent right before the downpour.  Of course we did not stake down the rain fly upon arrival and since there was a strong wind advisory, it HAD to be done.  Tony and I got soaked to the bone in the dark!  After that quick scramble we were back in the tent and dry.  The rain lulled us to sleep and was gone by morning.  The wind however was not gone which made the take down a bit difficult.  The girls were great (considering I allowed them to eat what ever they found in the storage bin).  After the goodbyes to Billy and his family we were on our way to find some hot breakfast.  We stopped at Cracker Barrel and I crept inside hoping no one would notice the fact we were quite dirty (and stinky).

Once home and the truck unloaded, Tony and I fell asleep on the couch while the girls played (wow)!  Their first question when we woke up?  WHEN ARE WE GOING AGAIN?  The answer to that question is Memorial Weekend.  I have already reserved the site, revised the "lists" and purchased some rain gear!