camping 2012 - the pinery

Last year I shared so many photos I had to divide them into different posts.  This year, I'm sharing them in one go.  I was definitely more conservative in the number of clicks that I took this summer and more particular in the ones that I'm sharing.  I hope you enjoy!!

 A moth was found our first morning camping.  It received the name Polka Dot. 

Nathaniel flying a kite.

Nathaniel flying.

 I played lifeguard.

So happy to have a picture of me on here.  Thanks Andrew!

 Getting buried in the sand.  A great way to warm up.

My dear friend.  We shared photography duties.  It is so nice to know there is someone else willing to take pictures when I need a creative break.

After supper one evening we explored the river.  We came upon a group of fishers.  Two young adults were so gracious in sharing their rods and expertise with our children.

 Not exactly sure why my boys look so apprehensive here.  They warmed up quickly and had a difficult time leaving the fish.

The oldest girls weren't really into touching fish.

 Jesse throwing a fish back in the water. 

Jesse's first catch.

 Smores!

Sparklers!

 Whistling.

 We befriended the neighbours and shared a movie. 

Looking forward to our next camping experience in a few weeks.

independence

We dropped her off at camp yesterday afternoon.  All last week she talked about how excited she was to be at camp.  Her extensive list of what to bring was written and checked off, stories of previous years at camp were retold and a few hopes for this year's experience were shared.  She was all giggles and excitement as we made the drive up with another camper.

Andrew has learned my own personal routine when we begin the drive onto the camp's stone laneway.  The radio gets turned off and the windows come down.  I need to take in the beautiful smell and stillness of one of my favorite places.  I had hoped to volunteer this week and bring the boys.  It gives them more exposure to get comfortable with camp and me an excuse to spend a week there.  As soon as Abigail heard my potential plan a number of months ago, she put an immediate stop to the idea.  She did not want me there.  Being at camp meant she wanted to be away from us too.  It would not be the same.  Yesterday as we waited for camp to begin, I shared this story with another mom.  Abigail clarified that she did not want her brothers around for the week.  I would have been fine.  Siblings....

I know this is her time to be away from us.  To make new friends and reconnect with old ones.  To be silly, share in new experiences, sing at the top of her lungs, take in the beauty of our wonderful creation.  I know this is becoming one of her favorite places in the world too.

a month ago

This afternoon I started going through my picture folders from the past 2 months.  I realized that there were many weeks that I had time to download and save my files but never view the hundreds of photos I had actually taken.  There were many pleasant surprises and moments I knew I needed to document here.  So, to start things off, I'm sharing some photos from an evening we spent at the park.  We met up with friends to have a potluck and a shared game of soccer.  First, Jesse wanted to visit the water and I admired the beautiful flowers at the same time.

 As the boys played soccer, Abigail stayed off her hurt knee to blow bubbles.

Love this last one!