Over Memorial Day weekend we are meeting up with cousins for family camping! Complete with tents. By the lake. In Michigan. The weather is either going to be amazing or it’s going to be horrible. Memorial Day in Michigan always goes one way or the other.

While I hope for wonderful weather and tell myself that I can for sure camp for 2 nights like a boss – there’s a bit of a problem. The campground doesn’t allow alcohol. And yes, this is a bit of a problem.

Sure, I get it. Banning alcohol helps keep the park quiet and safe for all. I certainly remember those boozy, long summer weekends of years past and the last thing I want to do is camp next to a rowdy pack of frat boys. However…

Camping? with kids? Here’s what to likely expect:

1. Making kids sleep in a tent in the pitch black = worst parent ever
2. Walking all the way to and from the only not so lovely bathroom every time they need to go potty
3. Mosquitoes
4. Mosquito bites
5. Lugging beach toys
6. Lugging wet, sandy, tired children
7. Hiking with the “my legs are SO tired” anthem on repeat
8. It’s too hot
9. It’s too cold
10. NO NETFLIX

I know that it’s going to be a fun weekend, and we will make memories to last a life time. I also know for all the complaining the kids will do they will have a great time. However, it still doesn’t change the fact that I’m sleeping on the ground in a tent without a glass of wine.

In a nod back to my college days of yore (ok the late ’90s) I’ve been compiling a list of how to sneak alcohol. I’m positive I was much more creative back in the day – and I confess that all of these ideas except for one came from Pinterest. Seriously, Pinterest is remarkably handy for ideas on how to sneak in a drink pretty much anywhere – who knew?!!

Here are my top ‘Party Like it’s Memorial Day 1999’ ways to hide your booze:

1. Mojito jello shots – mojito because the kids won’t want clear jello with green leaves in it. I wanted to make those champagne gummy bears but that’s probably not the best idea ’cause, you know, kids.
2. Cans of wine inside a McDonald’s cup
3. Flasks that look like sunscreen bottles – available on Amazon
4. Flasks that look like tampons – also on Amazon (seriously. and yes, my husband was a bit horrified by that one. I might get them just because I find that hilarious – sorry honey)
5. S’well water bottles should hold a half bottle of wine nicely

OR… Just say ‘I don’t care.’ It’s not 1999. The kids are in bed after a very long day. I’m going to relax by our campfire, make an amazing s’more and enjoy this little can of Prosecco. Because in about 20 minutes I’ll probably be heading off to bed – a certain 7 year old I know is afraid to go to sleep in the tent by herself.