---
title: "Birthday Camping at Holly Bay"
date: 2025-08-22
draft: false
tags: [family, adventure]
typora-root-url: ../../static
featuredImage: "/img/2025-08-22/feature.jpg"
---

![Jaime and the kids at the lake sore](/img/2025-08-22/PXL_20250730_121336693.jpg)

Jamie really wanted to go camping for her birthday this year, and Eve had been asking to go *all* summer, so we decided to make it happen! We packed up the car, rounded up the kids, our furry family members (Summer the dog AND our new kitty, Sweetie!), and headed to Holly Bay campground. And let me tell you, it was exactly the birthday escape Jamie was hoping for!

## Setting Up Camp & Hitting the Water
![Noah and his skipping rock](/img/2025-08-22/PXL_20250730_122458327.jpg)

We arrived at Holly Bay and quickly set up camp. Luckily, we're pretty efficient at this point, and were soon ready to enjoy the best part – the lake! Holly Bay is *beautiful* - our campsite was right next to the water, which was perfect. We brought our kayaks and paddle boards, and immediately launched them into the lake.

![Eric and Summer dog on the paddle board](/img/2025-08-22/image_2025-08-25_02-24-19.jpg)

It was Eve’s first time kayaking on a bigger body of water, and she did *amazing*! She was so confident and had a blast. I even brought our sweet Summer dog along for the ride on the paddleboard with me, she loves being on the water! After a morning of paddling, we worked up an appetite and had a quick lunch before taking a dip in the lake.

## Lake Swimmers & Savoury S'mores!
The kids are seriously fearless when it comes to lakes! They actually seem more comfortable swimming in open water than they do in a pool, they had an absolute blast splashing around and playing.

![Hello Summer Plate with hot dog and cracker](/img/2025-08-22/PXL_20250729_230845822.jpg)

As evening approached, it was time for dinner. We had a feast! Hot dogs, pasta (thanks Mom & Dad!), and of course, s’mores! But Tanya *outdid* herself and brought savory s’mores! Think cheeses and meats you roast between crackers over the fire. Seriously delicious, a total game changer!

## Stargazing & Cozy Nights

![Night sky over holly bay campground](/img/2025-08-22/20250729_225043-1756732372462-7.jpg)
There was supposed to be a meteor shower that night, so we all stayed up late hoping to spot some falling meteors. Unfortunately we didn’t see any, but it was still fun to hang out by the lake at night, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

![Eve at the camp in front of the tent](/img/2025-08-22/PXL_20250730_113505355.jpg)

It was pretty warm, even into the evening, but we managed to stay comfortable in the tent with the help of some battery-powered fans. We fell asleep listening to the sounds of the lake, and woke up, the kids had a rock skipping contest and we were ready to head home.

This camping trip to Holly Bay was the perfect way to celebrate Jamie's birthday. It was filled with sunshine, laughter, and making memories that we'll cherish for years to come. We can’t wait to go back!

![Walking down to the lake from the campsite with coffee in hand](/img/2025-08-22/PXL_20250730_120823515.jpg)
