June 21st-1st full day at camp

The first thing we did was have an all group breakfast at 8:00.  Arya said that she expected to get "slop," "like they have on M.A.S.H.," but was surprised it was so yummy.  Finn, you planned out which activity you were going to do for every hour of the day which is sooooooo something you would do. :-) You both were ready to go!

After breakfast, our first stop was the "Swing."  We got there right at 9:00 and were among the first people to get a chance to try it.  Both you and Arya really loved it.  You were clipped in and raised up high and as a group we were in charge of pulling you higher and higher into the air.  When you got high enough you unclicked yourself and swung a long distance up high between the trees.  I got it on video so we can watch it again and again. 

After the swing you found your way to the "STEM" activity and tried to make the tallest sculpture out of marshmallows and toothpicks. I even tried it and it was harder than it looks. 

Lunch was very good also and we were spoiled to be able to eat as much as we wanted because it was buffet style. You made sure to get at the front of the line as often as you could so you could eat first and make it back for seconds too.  You are so much like me as we both LOVE our food!

After lunch, you spent most of your day on the lake in the funyaks and kiyaks.  You met a few other kids too and boated with them throughout the day.  You also spent some time in an old war canoe that the native americans used once upon a time.

 WAR CANOES

Arya met a friend named Julia who lives close to Newman Lake up North and they played off and on the whole day. The water was very cold so neither you nor Arya swam at all.  Sissy and I found our way to the handcrafts area and made bracelets and other art-type projects but you chose to hang out in the boats instead.  You tried archery also and we went on a long hike to "Beaver Bay" too.  It was a great day!!  

However, part way through the day Arya tripped over a stick and had what appeared to be a sprained ankle.  She was limping around for most of the day after that and it was really hurting her so we didn't hang out by the fire that night.  I was bummed about that but we were all tired and got to bed earlier than we would have otherwise, so that was great because we were tired! 

It was very gratifying for me to have you both spend the day with me at Camp and I sure loved making memories with you.  I do think it helped you get over your fear of what camp would be like and I think you will consider going next summer with a friend.  Love you guys!

June 20th-Headed to Camp Sweyolakan

What an adventure we began today!  You and Arya didn't know a thing about it.  I just told you to get packed up for a weekend away and that there would be no electricity.  You also knew we would need sleeping bags and that there would be no tent coming with us so I'm sure you were very confused.  Of course, when we got to the dock in Coeur D'Alene and other families started arriving you were even MORE curious so upon talking to a few counselors, the secret was spilled! 





The boat ride to the "island" took about an hour and we lucked out with GREAT weather after a week of rain.  Thank goodness.

To begin we got settled into our "trees" unit. We were up in actual tree houses and had to climb a ladder to get into our sleeping area. It was very cool.  You were worried about not having electricity and being out with the bugs but we made do and you did great!

 

First, we met up for a tour of the area where we visited other units and went to the "Enchanted Forest."  There we each got a fairy of our very own and were able to see fairy houses that had been made by previous campers and fairies too.  It was a very special moment and everything I remember it being when I was a counselor there and we would go through the same ritual with our campers 20 years ago or so. 


Then we had a bonfire with the other families that shared our unit, even though we were in our own tree house space.  We then had smores and sang camp songs.  I was emotional at times thinking back to the summer I spent there and also trying to remember the words to songs I hadn't sang for so many years.  We even sang, "Barges" the song I often sing to you and Arya at bedtime.  It was wonderful!!!!  It was a beautiful way to end the day.  Sleeping wasn't as comfortable as it is at home,of course, but that is to be expected. You, Finn, were worried about not having your fan and all the little things you think you need to be comfortable, but you did great.  My hope is that you will want to come back as a camper yourself next summer.  Maybe with Alex? 
Tomorrow is sure to be packed with more fun.  I will write more about that later.  I sure loved sharing this special day with you both.  I love you!

June 19th, 2014

Today, we planned to have Alex Tareski and Delaney Marshall over to play.  After daddy's doctor appt. in Spokane, we picked both of them up and were here from about 12 until after 6:30.  It was a gggggggrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaatttttttt day for you both.  Finn, you spent time in your treehouse played video games, took a ride on the 4-wheele and helped me spray paint a table that you want in your treehouse with Alex's help.  Shaemis Ellwood came to hang out too while I visited with his mom, Kym.  All in all it was a great day for you both!  Arya, you played on the grass in the sprinkler with Delaney, you both took a bath to warm up, you made a fort in your bedroom over your bed, you picked veggies in the garden and did so much more.  I wish these kids lived closer but I figure if we get you all together once a week or so, that will mix it up for you a bit this summer.


Tomorrow we are going on an adventure!  I have arranged for you both to "go to camp" with me at Camp Sweyolaken for the weekend.  My hope is that you have a blast and will consider going on your own (together?) one of these years.  We will take a ride on a boat to get there from Coeur D'Alene and will stay Fri. night until Sunday morning.  I hope it opens your mind a bit and gets you out of your comfort zones too.  We will eat well, go boating, hiking, do a craft, and so much more!  SUMMER CAMP IS FUN!!! I'm sure you'll get that message by the time we leave. So, I won't post a blog until Sunday evening and I'll write about how it went for us then. 


I'm excited for you both to have this experience and I hope you love it!  I love you!!!!

June 18th- My Birthday

Today was my 41st birthday.  It was a wonderful day! We tried to keep it pretty low key and not spend much money so we mostly stayed at home. We started cleaning the garage and I putzed in the garden.  The best part of the day was having dinner with you all at Grammy and Papa's house.  Dad and Lynn came too!  I felt very loved. :-) 





Thanks for the lovely bird bath you helped daddy pick out. You know what I like.  I love you!!!

June 17th 2014

Had another busy day today.  You hung out with your daddy as he took his truck in to get an oil change and he sure loved having you tag along with him.  You ran a few errands with him and ate the snack you packed too.  Arya and I went to her horse riding lesson in the morning and then I took off to go for a run during the lunch hour.  You spent some time reading at home today and you watched a movie in the afternoon while your daddy was napping.  This is the typical schedule for our family.  Then, I took Arya in for a new, summer hair cut later in the afternoon.  It's very cute!
It was a pretty mellow day for you today compared to yesterday.  Ofcourse you made time to go down to Grammy and Papas house in the late afternoon hours.  She is not working and LOVES seeing you throughout the day.   Then, we watched "The Lego Movie" while I typed this blog and that was the day.  Tomorrow is my birthday. :-) 

June 16th 2014

Good morning!  Yesterday was Father's Day and we celebrated with the favorite men in our lives. Your daddy made us a steak dinner and we roasted marshmallows over the fire pit in our back yard.  Later in the evening, I served an Apple Cake with Rum Sauce dessert that I have never made.  It's a keeper.  SO YUMMY!  The pictures I took of the favorite men in our lives, are below. 

Enjoying the bonfire together!

 

We sure love our Grandpas!!

 

 

Today should be a pretty busy day together. We will head into town to Arya's dentist appt. (she needs a filling for her first cavity) We will then head to the eye glass place to get your glasses fixed, finally. I imagine we will stop at a few other places along the way too. You both like to be out and about with me verses hanging out at home like your daddy likes to do, and I like your company so it works out well. When we get home, we will spend some time in the garden, and probably find a movie to watch after dinner together. That's what we do pretty regularly. We have already settled into our summer routine and are sure enjoying our lazy days.  Love you boo!