Family Camp

Last weekend, the five of us headed about 90 minutes out of town for an annual h/schooling retreat.  We've gone a few times before and it's always been just a few families who gather there for a few days and relax with their kids; it's been a great way to get to know people better.

It was a great weekend and the kids had such a good time; they cried in the van as we left, wishing desperately that they could live there "forever."

And who can blame them?

They went rock-climbing (the boys scampered up that wall like it was nothing!), kayaked, rode bikes and skateboards in the skateboard park, stayed up too late, swam, ate sitting at the kids' table with ten kids packed all around, watched a movie, scarfed down dessert two meals/day, slept in sleeping bags on bunk beds, played ping pong and air hockey, and generally had the run of the place to explore with their buddies.  As an added bonus, their mother was relaxed from being able to visit with friends instead of cooking or cleaning or teaching!  It was a good time all 'round!

Here are some of the highlights in photos:

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I enjoyed a few cups of coffee and hot chocolate on this deck...

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...looking out at the water.

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Yours Truly with her beautiful daughter (note Lizzie's two missing front teeth...a development of the past few weeks)

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The rock climbing wall...

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...which Seth tackled first...

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...and which Matthew scampered up next.

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Even Lizzie gave it a shot (her first time ever) and, even though she didn't get very far up the wall, the look on her face later would have had you believing she'd touched the top!

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The boys loved the bike/skateboard parks and spent a lot of time out there. 

 Here's Seth...

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And Matt (gettin' air on that second shot)

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Lizzie didn't ride too much...she was far more interested in examining every. single. caterpillar that she could find!  She became experienced in the art of touching and even picking up those fuzzy little creatures.

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Swimming and kayaking!

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Can you read who was practicing her letters in the sand?

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The perfect spot for a little rest!

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Because we were away over Father's Day, the kids brought along the cards and little gifts that they'd prepared the week before.  Here they are in one of our rooms bestowing their love on their beloved Daddy.

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My three lovelies...sun-soaked and happy!