First Day of School!

I have lots to catch up on, but I wanted to post pictures from MG's first day of school. What an exciting day it has been! I am so proud of her--she went from 8:30 until 2:30 and did fantastic. When I was walking her into the school building, she turned and whispered to me, "Mommy, I'm a little scared." I could feel her little heart racing as we walked down the hall together. That was the first and last mention of fear that I heard from her. She walked right into her room, unpacked, and settled right in. While she was at school, the house was strangely quiet--I'm thinking the adjustment will take longer for me than for her. She was happy to see me at 2:30 and was bubbling with excitement and stories from her day. We celebrated her day with a trip to get ice cream--what could be better? What a big girl I have now!

The Last Day

Today is banquet day at camp. . . . A bittersweet day--full of celebration of the last five weeks, but full of sadness at having to say goodbye to dear friends and summer days packed with endless fun. As I've said in previous posts, we are so thankful for our summers at camp. Each one of us grows while we're here, and we're challenged to care for and love each other better as a family. MG has shown us that she's really ready for kindergarten--walking herself to her classes, making friends with the campers, carrying on conversations with the counselors, and growing in her understanding of God's world. Sam has grown physically for sure, but it's also been thrilling to see him begin loving people. The thrill of tractors and big trucks remains, but I've begun to see him get equally excited over some of his favorite counselors, calling them, "my friends." I've definitely had time to feel refreshed, recharged spiritually, and ready to begin the busy year. One of my favorite parts about camp this summer has been running on the lake road. I wish I had a picture to show the beautiful morning runs that I've been able to take around the lake. It has definitely been a luxury to have the time for that peace and quiet. David has received much encouragement in his ministry, and we are most thankful for that. We have seen the Holy Spirit at work in this place and in our hearts, making us thankful for the good gifts that God gives to us.

This Week's Pictures

Dog Camp

"Driving" the golf cart

Wagon Riding

Playing in the Stream

Visiting the Horses-

The Screamer--These might need some explanation. . . . MG decided spur of the moment that she wanted to go on the high adventure element called "the screamer." After being harnessed in and pulled up (very) high in the air, she was brave enough to pull her clip that let her fly through the air from about 30 feet above the ground. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of her, but instead lovely ones of David and me after we were inspired by her courage. We're all in our bathing suits because we had just come from the pool. This one gives you an idea of how high up you are pulled:David at his finest: My turn:My pull team:
We've had so many adventures here--it will be hard to leave!

Corn Roast

Last night was one of our favorite nights at camp. . . the corn roast. Indeed the evening is all about the food, but it also includes hay-rides, pontoon boat rides, an incredible band, and lots of dancing. The delicious meal this year consisted of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork that melt in your mouth, slaw, turkey legs, dill potato salad, delicious black bean salsa/salad, homemade bread, chips, cookies, watermelon, and, of course, corn on the cob. Needless to say, our stomachs were quite satisfied, perhaps even stuffed. MG loved the food, the dancing, and hanging out with her cousin Lucy. Although Sam wasn't courageous enough to try the food (he still prefers his yogurt and applesauce), he did enjoy the hay-ride and "driving" the tractor. It was a beautiful evening on the lake, and we are so thankful that we got to be a part of the festivities.

Yummy food!Sam dancing while eating a cookie-A sweet picture--Pure joy on the hay-ride!The big orange tractor--Sam and WillMG with her cousin and friendAnother fantastic day in a lovely place!

Camp Days

We've been having a blast at camp. Here are a few pictures from our days:

Sweet friends walking to class:
We love painting and crafts!MG's first sewing project--A Pillowcase! Thank you Kendall!
We spend just about every afternoon at the pool.Sam finishing his tough work out--
We're thankful for lots of friends to play with!

The Fourth

The Fourth of July at camp is an amazing day. After breakfast in a dining hall full of streamers, we have a full day of activities, topped off with a barbecue dinner, carnival, and fireworks display. The carnival includes all the candy you could ever desire combined with half a dozen inflatable rides, moonwalks, etc.--a recipe for complete bedlam! Sam and MG loved the festivities and, with a little help from some earplugs, thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks. I can't imagine being anywhere else for the Fourth!

Here we are at camp again!

In our first few days of camp, we feel like we have picked up right where we left off last year. MG has spent most of her time reunited with her best bud, Abby. After the first two minutes of greetings, the two of them were off holding hands and running to their favorite camp spots. How fun it is to have dear camp friends! As a family, we have already enjoyed sweet time together filled with good food, sweet friends, an unlimited supply of entertainment, and a beautiful mountain view. MG has her own schedule of activities this year and has jumped right in to camp life. Sam is enjoying the pool each afternoon and thinks its hilarious to drink half of it while he splashes in the shallow end. We feel so incredibly blessed to be back in this dear place again. Hopefully there will be more fun pictures to share soon. . . .

All decked out for her tennis lesson-Sam tagging home plate while eating his apple, core and all--Listening to instructions at gymnastics--