Author Archives: Natalie King

And just like that, it’s over. In some ways, the summer FLEW by in the blink of an eye. In some ways, I feel like we’ve been away forever.

11 weeks ago, we headed to the woods. Over the course of the summer, Augustus took his first steps. Xander learned to peddle a bike. Xander said his first swear word. Augustus learned to wave. Augustus gave up bottles. Xander grew in confidence and became more outgoing. We swam, we paddle boarded, we ended each day FILTHY dirty. Summer was a huge success.

The camp staff was the best group I’ve worked with and they were generous with their time and energy- despite being with campers 22 hours a day, they always had time to talk to, listen to, play with and give my kids attention.

It was difficult to be away from Nate, my mom, our friends, my beloved St. Paul, and normal life. But it was also wonderful. I loved spending so much time with my boys. I think when they return to daycare, I am going to have a more difficult time re-adjusting then they do.

We packed up the van, Nate’s car and my mom’s car this morning. Nate and the boys headed out a few minutes before me. I brought 2 international staff home with us for the weekend (they fly out on Monday) and now we’re all home. My house is filled with boxes, bags and piles and I am eager to spend tomorrow unpacking. It’s been a whirlwind!

Summer 2018, my 11th at CYC and 19th summer in camping, is complete.

Katie snuck up behind me and took these photos. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend quiet moments sitting on the beach throwing rocks with the boys. It’s nice to be able to slow down and spend time with them. I also really appreciate that Katie took these pictures and captured the moment for me. She is so sweet and thoughtful.

11 years ago, Shayla and I created this wall during my first summer. I am SO proud each year when I get to fill in another square. I can’t believe it’s been 11 years at CYC! The people on this wall have meant so much to me.

These photos are a little bit indulgent, but Augustus turned 1 year old on August 10, which means that I’ve been breastfeeding him for a year and also that I’m almost DONE breastfeeding him.

In the past 3 years, I’ve had 2 beautiful, healthy, perfect babies cut out of me. I pumped round the clock for a year with Xander. I breastfed Augustus for a year. Through 2 pregnancies, I gained 50 pounds. After my second c-section, I had searing pain every time I bent, lifted, turned or stood up for a full 7 months. My body has not been my own in 3 years and often I don’t recognize myself in the mirror. But, my abdomen is starting to heal and get stronger. And soon, I will not be a milk machine and I’m excited about that. I’ve loved breastfeeding Augustus and I will probably miss it. I knew I would regret it if I didn’t get a nice photo of us together.

I felt a little ridiculous requesting these photos, but they are a celebration of the last 3 years- 2 babies created, fed and growing up too fast. Reid, our camp photographer from last year is visiting this week and he’s an awesome artist. I knew he could take a pinterest-worthy photo that made me look beautiful, even though I was super sweaty, tired after a long day and wrangling 2 boys up past their bedtime (so we had the best light). He’s a 20 something dude who mostly photographs bands, so there’s no way he can understand how meaningful these are, but he did such a great job and I couldn’t be happier.

Twice a day, camper can visit the camp store. Parents put money in their account before camp starts, so they just walk up to the window, say their name and then they can buy tee shirts, water bottles, sunglasses, flashlights, as well as ice cream, chips, popcorn, etc.

Xander has his own account, and LOVES the camp store. We have a huge bag of popcorn (same brand as the camp store) in our house. But he prefers the small bags at the camp store. He is a frequent visitor and always asks about it on weekends (when it’s not open). He is going to miss his daily visits to the store when we go home!

“I want popcorn. Fank you!”

Waiting for his order.

Chatting while he waits

“Fank you so much!”

Living his best life.

Our friends came to visit us at camp this weekend! It was a little rainy on Friday night and Saturday, but we still managed to have a lot of fun. We went swimming, paddle boarding, paddle boating, played on the field, had a dance party on the stage, had a campfire, rode bikes in the dining hall, and ate a LOT of food and treats! Jo is 6 months older than Xander and Oliver is 3 months older than Xander. All three got along really well and never stopped moving. It was an awesome weekend and hopefully the first of what will become an annual tradition!

The weather yesterday and today was OUTSTANDING. Sunny, warm, no humidity, not a cloud in the sky. Xander and I went paddle boarding and swimming. Katie had the boys outside all day. Days like that make it feel like we’re living in paradise.

And then today it drizzle/misted all day and was about 60 degrees. We wore sweatpants and socks and I was still chilly all day. Poor Katie had to entertain two crabby boys who were stuck inside all day. Xander spent a good amount of time playing with this power strip (not plugged in of course). NOT paradise. I wanted to go back to bed pretty much as soon as I woke up and heard the rain.

Let’s hope tomorrow brings the sun back!

Heading to the beach to paddle board

It was a gorgeous, sunny, perfect day to be at camp today! X and I paddle boarded and then Katie and (sleeping in the stroller) Augustus joined us at the beach and they swam while I lifeguarded the second hour swimming period. Afterwards, we had freezie pops and relaxed until dinner. 

Katie loves Batman. Xander happens to have a batman shirt (complete with a cape!). He doesn’t know who Batman is yet, but since Katie loves Batman, now Xander does too. 

This is a random shot from the other day. This little dude has been VERY uncooperative about nap time lately and consequently, will fall asleep at random times like when we’re in chapel, rather than in his crib. I keep trying to explain to him that someday, he will be old and tired and will WANT to take a nap, so he should take advantage now, but he is tough to reason with.

It’s beach party day at camp! Augustus almost missed it because he skipped his morning nap and then fell asleep while nursing right before it was time to go to the beach. But we made it to the beach with plenty of time to play! Xander and Katie were already there and swimming away!

After lunch and rest time, Xander and I headed back to the beach and swam for another hour, and then after that, Katie brought Augustus down to the beach and he slept in the stroller while she and Xander played for another hour! It was quite a day of swimming!