Glamping 101

Some of you may already know that we went "glamping" for Memorial Day weekend. That means camping with the "extra" amenities. The only words that come to mind as I am typing this post is priceless times. Oh, the stories that I could tell; better yet, the stories that the Jellystone campgrounds could tell. Oh my word. Nothing but good times, late nights, lots of sun, old and new friendships, camp food, water slides, weddings, celebrities and memories. Curious? Keep reading.

For the record, if any of you want to join us next year for the Memorial Day weekend extravaganza, book your spot next month. Here is the website. That's how hot this ticket is. I promise, it will be a three day weekend to remember. Can't wait for 2014.

If you are in the market for a summer "glamping" excursion, I put together a few tips that might help you along the way. And so we begin....

Hello, Jellystone. The troops have arrived...let the "Glamping'' 101 advice begin....

1. Book a cabin if one is available at the park you are staying at. It is way too much work to "RV" it. Poor Ross. I don't know how he did it...between pulling this massive concoction, to hooking it up and then dragging it home...lots of exhausting work after a loooooong weekend. We will 100% be paying the extra money to stay in a cabin next year.

2. Make sure you pick a campground with a pool. This is a MUST. Throw in a few trashy, gossip magazines, mommy juice, crazy kids, adult floaties and best friends. Your "glamping" trip is well on it's way to sucess.

3. Next up are the "glamping" accessories. It is imperative that your organized friends order and pack themed Styrofoam cups, sport glow in the dark jewelry, dress for the occasion (insert red, white & blue) and wear t-shirts that sum up the weekend. Everyone loves Sunday Funday, right? Right!

 4. Pack fun, competitive games such as washers. This will keep the men distracted long enough for the women to actually sit down and gossip. Don't forget the pitchers of the spiked lemonade for when you get really thirsty. See picture above. Want the recipe for what's in the pitcher? Email me.

5. This is where it gets interesting. Wondering what this picture is all about? Let me explain. We locked ourselves out of our camper. We were given some expert "glamping" advice from a fellow camper: crawl through the storage area and look for the "secret" door/slot to the inside of your camper. This was an ultimate team effort. Ross popped the secret hatch and we sent our oldest  in for the mission to be accomplished.  All was finally well on travel trailer road. I am not going to lie. I started crying alligator tears, moved onto laughing hysterically and finally gave utter thankfulness and praise to God. Crisis moment averted. 

 5. Your "glamping" camp site must have water slides installed. It doesn't matter the shape, size or color, they just has to be present.

6. Signing up for the karaoke talent show is one to put on your list. It is required that you sing something from Taylor Swift or Adele. All the cool kids are doing it.  

 7. Be prepared for a wedding. Yes, weddings take place while "glamping". I am still in awe that I witnessed Yogi Bear being part of a wedding party. It was real, classic love that I will never forget. And yes, the bride and groom spent their honeymoon on the campgrounds. True, undying love, I tell you. Just call me the unofficial wedding photographer. I have about 50 on my iPhone. I was in the moment.

 8. Camp food. Bring it. A grill, chips, dips, buns, burgers, smores and Miller Lite in the background. We tend to keep things classy.

 9. Take a picture with the campground mascot. It should be one of the most important things on your agenda.

 10. If you plan to glamp during a holiday weekend be prepared to go all out with themed golf cart decor, parades and throwing candy to your camping patrons.

11. Glamping isn't just for the "Average Joe". Glampers come in all shapes and forms including a Houston Texans football player. I had the pleasure of meeting the one and only Shane Lechler, a 10 million dollar punter for the Texans. We played washers with him and his wife as they RV'd it with us two campsites down. Hey, it's good to know celebs can glamp it up too. Can you tell how giddy I was in this picture? Lame, I know.

12. Last but not least, be prepared to make LOTS of new "glamping" friends. Everyone in this photo, minus my buddy in the white hat are brand-spanking new friends that I have already become Facebook official with. No lie, I made 20 new BFFs over the weekend. Glampers unite.

This weekend was by far one of the best. I can't stop looking at all my pictures and reliving the memories made. I cannot wait until next year. Who needs a trip to the beach, mountains or a vineyard when you have Jellystone "glamping". This was one for the books and I highly recommend that you give it a whirl.

Linking up with Sami, Molly & Carly.