I have been VERY fortunate to work with an amazing event planner who refers clients to me and then sends me GORGEOUS photos of my cookies at events. I absolutely love seeing how they look at the events.
This week, the boys went to day camp! My first distinct memory of attending day camp when I was a kid was standing off to the side of field games, arms crossed, staring at the counselors thinking, “I’m not playing that dumb game, but I would like to get my hands on one of those clipboards.” And then years later (2000!), my first ever job was as a YMCA day camp counselor and I finally got to be in charge. After working in camping for 21 years, one might think I would have been super chill about dropping the boys off at camp, but I was a nervous wreck!
One might also think I would have been a prepared camp parent, buying white tee shirts long before camp began (knowing full well that they would be tie dying). But I didn’t. And so on Monday night, Xander was adamant that he didn’t want a pillow case (which you could purchase at camp for $10), rather, he would like a bandana. I said, “but Xan, I don’t have a white bandana”, to which he replied, “can’t you go to the store before you go swimming tomorrow?” I swim at 6:45am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so, actually I could go. Tuesday morning, I was in the Walmart parking lot at 5:57am, waiting for the doors to open so I could get white bandanas for my special snowflakes. But here’s the thing- I got 2 tee shirts and 2 bandanas for $7, which is a far better deal than 2 pillow cases for $20. Plus, it felt like penance for being a camp parent slacker.
Tuesday-Thursday, Shyanna came to our house (even though the boys were at camp) to be my assistant. I wanted to make sure she still got paid, even though the boys were gone, and she happens to be INCREDIBLY organized and good at a million things. She transformed our house! She was like a fairy godmother, swirling through my basement. I actually screamed when I went down there to see her work! She transformed the playroom. She helped me with a bunch of little tasks. She took so much weight off my shoulders that I didn’t even realize was weighing me down. I was SO grateful!
Tuesday night was soccer and even though the boys were tired from being at camp all day, they made it through their games. Wednesday night was tee ball and again- tired boys, but Xander made it through. The boys went to bed as soon as they showered and put on pjs. Nate and I went to the new Wednesday happy hour and stayed up until midnight again! SO late, but it was so so fun!
Thursday night, Sean’s band was playing at 8pm. We had 2 tired boys, but after dinner and early showers (and blow drying their hair), we decided to try it. They hung in pretty well- getting super dirty, running around, enjoying ice cream and we even saw Xander’s kindergarten teacher! They were EXHAUSTED by the time we got home, but it was such a fun night.
On Friday, we had 2 VERY tired boys, but they headed off for their last day of camp. Xander ended up winning an award, which he was VERY excited about! It was a great first week and hopefully there will be many more camp experiences for them in the future.
Nate dropped them off because I left at the same time, headed for a different camp. It was YMCA Camp Menogyn’s 100th anniversary weekend and 380 of Menogyn’s most passionate alumni headed to the woods to celebrate. Menogyn is a 5 hour drive away, and on an island. So once I parked, I was shuttled to a dock, where I got on a pontoon. Quite a journey! But oh my gosh, what an amazing weekend. It was my first time there and I was so grateful to be able to experience it. I heard (not exaggerating) 100 or more amazing stories from the 1950s-present day. It was a joyful weekend of listening to memories and being moved by the spirit of camp. The food was amazing. The event was incredibly well run. The camp director of that camp is a bit of a legend and it was fun to watch her in action. It was such a pleasure to be able to be part of it. I am very lucky to have such a cool job that lets me do things like this.
On Saturday, while I was busy meeting camp alumni and soaking in the sun, Augustus was at the spa! He was invited to a spa themed birthday party and he loved it. Luckily, I was getting a play by play from another mom, because I was really sad to miss out! His fingers and toes look beautiful!
While Gussie was being pampered, Nate and Xander hit up legoland. Later in the day, Augustus built his first lego set all by himself, while Xander also built a big set. Nate and the boys met up with neighbors for dinner out.
Today was a full morning of camp celebrating for me, and then 5 hours in the car! The boys were at Grandma Debbie’s house, including a trip to McDonalds. I got home right before dinner and then it was back outside for the boys. I didn’t get any photos, but there was a very fun water fight with Sam, Abby, Emmet and Olive and our boys. Everyone was completely soaked! I had an incredible weekend but was happy to be home! I missed my men, my puppies and my bed (although the bunk bed I spent the weekend in was surprisingly comfortable!).
