Summer berry picking

Places we love....

Camp!

I went to a mother/child camp with the boys and some friends about 2 weeks ago and it was truly the highlight of summer so far. A spectacular setting, tons of options for activities but also always the option of just sitting and reading. The camp had organized kid-only activities in the morning and during that time the moms could kayak, do an organized hike or just sit on a bench reading a book. In the afternoon, there were activities for everyone and amazing babysitters available if everyone wanted to do something different. Some days we all went to the beach, other days Sean went to archery, Jackson went to the beach and I sat outside reading a book. Another day we all sat in the "art palace" working on projects while listening to music. Meals were held communal style and we all had tables assigned by cabin name. There were also evening campfires or talent shows. Our cabin held 10 people and the furnishings were bare. But in a setting like this, all you need is a sleeping bag, pillow and a bunk bed. We spent all our time outside, or in the lodge or the art studio. The kids were all so tired at night , it was surprisingly quiet. It was so fun to share in the camp experience and it's good I got a chance to go with them. Next year they've both told me they are ready to try a week on their own!

Scenes from our summer...

House Cleaning 101



"Oh, that's a mop!"

Not knowing about the ins and outs of operating the TV remote is one thing, but lack of knowledge about basic household cleaning items is cause for alarm. I was doing a quick upstairs clean up the other day and recruited the boys to help since it was their bathroom that needed the most work.  I asked for someone (Jackson) to go get the mop and the reply was "What is a mop?". Needless to say, we will spend lots of time this summer getting acquainted with the basics of cleaning a house!