The Week Has Come to an End

Ah, the sweet sound of sibling rivalry has returned to our house, which means that everyone is home and reunited again.

We picked the girls up from camp at 3 today - and while they were overjoyed to see us and give us big hugs - they were also full of total praise for their experience at overnight camp. Their cabin won the night game - which was a huge accomplishment (according to them), they loved both their counselors, all the girls in their cabin were sweet - and the food was "pretty" good. Mikayla admitted that she cried just once, last night - but her sweet counselor, "Bunny", had her lay down next to her, played with her hair - and just as we recommended, that was all it took. Given how many amazing reports we've gotten, and the fact that I've hardly seen my daughter since they got home, I guess I'm glad to hear that she did legitimately miss us. =)

So, huge props and thanks to Camp Harlow - how awesome that all the girls were so happy - as well as exhausted. A sure sign that everyone did their job well!

As for the boys, I can't say they are necessarily overjoyed to have their sisters' return. I think they could have handled another week without them - and the freedom without having to share.

We tried to make the best of our last day with them. Michele and I woke them up in the tent pretending to shoot them and making lazer gun sound effects. That was the plan, to take them to play Lazer Tag with us. However, as it turned out, we never made it there. Instead, we hiked Spencer's Butte, and after much deliberation, ended up back at the house with some one on one time with mother/son. Unfortunately for Traig, his time involved studying and being quizzed by his mom for a Hunter Safety Course he's attending tonight and tomorrow with Michael. I felt bad, because Brayden and I spent our time playing the new "Toy Story 3" video game. We purchased it for me, but he's been the one playing it. So, today was the first time I've had a go at it, with his tutelage. These days, I have no where near the skill he does on video games (maybe when he was 5, I might have been better), so when we play multi-player (dual screen) - sometimes I get a little behind, or die far too fast. Brayden is super-patient with me, but occasionally, I lose focus, and decide to aim for him. Today, we both were dying in laughter as my "Buzz Lightyear" was picking up Brayden's "Buzz Lightyear" and throwing him into a doorway. I love these role-reversal experiences and the priceless laughter and fun they create......

All in all, a great week. I kind of like this early summer camp experience as it challenges us to begin embracing the summer fun with gusto that much earlier.

Okay - on to pictures. This first one was a little friend we saw on our way to the trailhead.

I had John's camera with his new lens and had some fun playing around with it. "Give me a pose, Michele".....

"Just stand there with your back to me, Traig"

Every time I climb Spencer's Butte, I forget just how steep that last stretch is. If the pictures of me look like I've got a sunburn on the face, let me assure you that it is all a matter of being so flushed from exertion.......






I love these pics of Sydney. It's not often we get the opportunity to snap shots of her running full-on, with that big ol' tongue hanging out. Oh, how she loves these hikes!


On to Harlow pictures. Clearly the marine cloud layer cleared off and we scored that bright sunshine we've been treasuring this week by the afternoon.

Here's the cabin group:

Some last minute autographs on the camp t-shirt with Christina, Erica, and Ellie......


These two pictures showcase the adorable counselors Mikayla was blessed with - first up, "Stitches" - and then with her and "Bunny".

And, the ever-present "Phoenix" who was our spy to tell us just how great the girls were, and how much fun they truly had.

And, a final pic with "Dave the Wave". Fitting we had one at the beginning and one at the end....