Welcome Home Brendan!

Yes, yes, many of you will realize that Brendan got home over a week ago, but what can I say? I'm a slow updater.

10 days ago, ICS third graders headed off Engelberg for 3 nights. They swam, hiked, roasted brats over an open fire, and learned about organic farming. Brendan had the time of his life. He left with a big grin on his face, and returned with an even bigger grin -- and a bag of muddy clothes. It would seem the weather didn't cooperate, and it rained a lot. Brendan didn't seem to notice. The 7 boys in his class roomed together, and seemed to have a blast. A few kids were a bit nervous about being away from home for so long, but Brendan wasn't one of them. He'd been jealous of C.J.'s Outdoor Ed week last year, and he thought he'd have to wait 3 years to go. Little did he know at the time that he'd be going two years earlier than planned, camping by a glacier, and enjoying gorgeous views of the Alps.

I really missed Brendan, but I didn't miss the sibling bickering that went away with his departure. Without Brendan, the age gap between C.J. and Abbie is too big and they just ignore each other.

Abbie will go for her first overnight field trip next year as a second grader.