Obviously, it’s been quiet here the past month. Ali and I have been busy, going out just about every day with friends or family, but doing so without the kids. They’ve been off at camp. Ouest for a full four weeks, and Lowe for two. On top of that, it’s a traditional old-school camp. The only way for us to communicate was through snail-mail letters, the first of which didn’t arrive for ten days. Turns out the USPS actually does use snails.
Fortunately, the letters we did get were all positive and it seemed like both of them were having plenty of fun. Still, a month is a loooooong time apart, and even if they were having fun, and not homesick, I sure wasn’t feeling the same way.
My eyes burned a little bit.
It felt so good to be back together. They had asked for the camp experience, and our only real hope was that they would come back overflowing with stories of their own to tell us. Camp didn’t disappoint.
Those are their stories, so I’ll leave it at that.
Down the road a bit is the Franconia Sculpture Park. Yet another place in our hometown area that we’d never even heard of before. We’ve been making a point of trying to visit as many of these types of places as we can, reminding ourselves that exploring “the world” includes exploring where you grew up.
Admittedly, art appreciation isn’t my strong suit, and reading the signs explaining the different sculptures scattered across fifty acres didn’t help me much in that pursuit. But it was a beautiful day for a walk, the park was free, and the kids could climb around on most of the art, so it was
The sign explaining the artist’s reasoning for building a giant, soft, blue picnic table seemed a little off the wall to me as I read it. I have to admit though, that when everyone was laying there talking and laughing, it made a lot more sense.
I’m contemplating the infinitude of the private man.
Immediately upon seeing that boat on the bottom I started thinking, “I wonder if I could put a couple of beds in this, a bimini on top, and take it down the Mississippi from top to bottom?” It’s just how my mind works.
Frog.
I admit, they upped their game a bit while off at camp. I can still throw down some wicked blocks, though.
My pop. I can only hope to be half as handsome a devilish seventy-something as he is. Nobody else I’ve ever known can deliver a joke as perfectly, either. My brother and I haven’t seen each other three times in a year since he was about ten years old, I think. Always good to see him. He’s working on his doctorate, and I’m convinced the only reason he’s doing so is to hear me address him as Doctor. I’m practicing how to say it condescendingly, which is harder than it seems.
It’s so good to see these two back together.
10 Comments on “Back from Camp”
So happy the kids loved camp. Great memories and new friends. You Schulte boys ate looking great. Haven’t seen or talked to Jimmy in some time. Send my love to you all.
This is so sweet! That first pic of all those big genuine smiles is priceless. You can tell that the family was glad to be together again after time apart!
I was excited to hear a story from camp, but was even happier that you didn’t share any out of respect for your kids! Nicely done.
They go away as children… Come home as young adults… sprouting, like flowers in the spring! Well done and goodonyas!
Nice to see the family back together!!! Stay safe bums……
Lovely post. Glad to hear the kids enjoyed their camps.
Im not sure if the kids would be up for it or not, but may be a cool project if either of them wanted to do a post on their favorite camp stories. Im sure we would all love to hear it from their persepctive. Glad yall are back togather, thanks for posting!
Happy Trails & Safe Travels
What a magical age for your kids. Summer Camp memories being made. How cool is that! We are cruising up in the San Juans and BC and also visited a sculpture garden. It was my first and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your rich lives and inspiring those of us fellow wanderers.
You must have some appreciation of art, because your photos are art. I wish I had that skill.
Anybody heard whether them there Bumfuzzles is still alive, or not?
According to Facebook, Pat made it to the boat on August 1. I imagine they’re pretty busy, and probably will post something in a week or so.