Family Camp

We just returned from the 5th Annual Family Camp Trip! As always, the kids had a great time. They love being able to run around and play all day. It's amazing how you give them a dose of nature and you don't get one single request for a Game Boy or T.V. or whatnot.

We headed down to the river on our first day, and the boys (big and small) got to work moving rocks. They like to dam part of the river to create more rapids for boat riding. They also create a designated reader/kiddie area which is nice to keep the little ones a bit contained. Brendan took the job most seriously, and he hauled some large rocks! The job continued throughout the weekend, and one of our friends commented on how "rock moving" must put out testosterone, because males were flocking to help. If only they could be so eager to assist with household chores!

After dinner, we went swinging. (No, not THAT swinging...) Abbie loved the swings so much that she spent the rest of the weekend recruiting "swingers" after every meal. She even convinced everyone else, including Nana - excluding Gramps, to give it a go!


We headed over to the kiddie campfire where Abbie amazed us by volunteering to lead a song. The girl obviously has confidence, because she immediately claimed to know every song they suggested singing. Her bossy tendencies do go beyond the family, as she spent quite a bit of time telling the older girls where to stand for their performance. And, just to prove that I do exist, John agreed to snap a photo of me roasting marshmallows with Abbie. I try to get myself into every 200th shot or so.



C.J. and Brendan tried archery on Saturday and Sunday. It was supposed to be for ages 7 and up, but somehow Brendan talked his way into it. C.J. was very proud of his bullseye!

We made our traditional trek over to Rainbow Falls where you can swim in a very cold pool of water and jump off some rocks. C.J. and Brendan decided to walk with my mom and Eric. Gramps decided to run there, and John and I graciously offerred to drive over the lunches, floats, towels, etc.

C.J. said that the best part of Family Camp was archery. He must have really liked everything else, though, because he is petitioning for 4 nights instead of the customary 3 next year. Brendan said that the best part was "everything!" The rest of us agreed that the only things that could have made the trip better were the inclusion of Anna (who stayed home for pregnancy complications) and Becky (who stayed home in case anything happened). It would have been fun to have Uncle Craig as well! Up until the day before, I thought he might be planning a surprise trip to participate, but I realized when he was on the phone instead of a plane, that it just wasn't going to happen this year. Maybe we'll see him soon!