They packed up their truck and trailer and pulled out July 17th with their 3 youngest grandsons. Very admirable. Very brave. The kids were super excited for 'camp', even though they had no idea what that was. And I'm told the whole way there asked when they'd be there.
Ryan and I drove up on the 21st to help out (with Dillon) and to take part in a camp we grew up going to (not so much me). It was really fun to see the kids getting their helmets on and riding to their class (9am-12) like big boys.
The flooded beach.
Their very excellent choice in campsites; the kids could play on the playground and they/we could watch them from the site.
Hardly looks like the boy that was such a...challenge.
Atticus and Jared's class each morning for 3 hours (adults had classes) and evening for 2 hours (adults had church). Dillon refused to go and he's not the kind of kid you can just drop off and leave.
Trying to figure out how to hold his candy bag (last morning class) and ride his bike. He wasn't about to let anyone hold it for him.
A monkey for certain.
The 'hot box' as it was immediately termed due to the sweltering heat the first few days and the lack of supervision, air vents, and inappropriate locks on the doors. They soon changed the locks, added a few holes, and had supervision. When it was really hot it got locked up, but when it was cooler the kids loved climbing around in it.
Every afternoon the kids got to spend $1 at the 'Tuck Shop'. The times I do remember going to camp are times I remember spending whatever money I had at the Tuck Shop. No camp is camp without a Tuck Shop and the boys now have their own fond memories of it.
Around the Tuck Shop were benches, swings, bounce house, and Putt and Bounce. Lots of things to entertain them.
The horse area is way in the distance. Riding wasn't possible due to the flooding.
He brought his scooter because his trike wouldn't handle well on the grass/gravel, but his scooter didn't really do that much better.
Takes about 3 minutes to give up...
...and catch a ride.
Grandma and Grandpa brought the paddling pool and we sent water guns. There were a few water fights, but the shortage of water guns to eager participants was a problem so they were usually short-lived.
Helping Uncle Ryan make a fire.
The kids' table.
On the right side is the younger kids' class area, on the left is the older (4-5yr). They had lots of fun toys, outings, crafts and games the whole week (too bad you missed most of it Dillon).
Kissing the 'Go Slow' turtle on his last day.
I won't get into the difficulties (those are difficulties whether we're at camp or at home) because it was a really great week and well worth the struggles (I think? Mom and Dad??). I look forward to maybe next year when we can maybe go down again with all 3 of our little ones and stay the whole week.
4 comments:
Absolutely worth the struggles, we had many precious moments with kisses, hugs and snuggles. We look forward to next year, the site is already booked!!
Enjoyed the photos of the send-off and weekend. Really enjoyed having you and Ryan & Ayda join us - and I'm sure the kids did too. Nice to have Ayda get a little taste of "camp" too.
Looks like they all had a great time! An experience for the memory books....
Part of the overall experience and memory base of childhood... the only memories will be the hot box and Tuck Shop and Grandma & Grandpa willing to hug and hold and smile... what a great experience! Hopefully our kids can do something like that sometime... hmmmm, maybe that's something we'll have to look for.
Loved that they went on their own... hope you got some rest at home.
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