THE RETURN

After getting a bit of peer pressure from family over the holidays regarding my lack of writing for the blog…I’ve decided to start writing again. Should I view it as a compliment that they enjoy my writing and reviews?? Do they love my blog as much as they love me? Hee.

We watched our fair share of movies over the holiday break. I can’t say I was awed by any of them. I’m beginning to think my lack of enthusiasm for blogging is actually related to the films I’ve watched lately—which have been lacking in every sense. I’ll write about those next, first I need to add a few details on summer camp and life since.

In my last blog, I mentioned I told the boys the minimum number of letters/communications I wanted from them while away at camp was 5 notes. Kooza made me giggle because in every note home he would say “this is my third note home” then “this is my fourth note home.” I don’t know if those comments were for me to count or for him to count. Either way, it brought a smile to my face. I had my doubts that Scout would actually make it to 5, but the truth is he came through quite easily. Surely a sign of love from both boys! :) Camp was a big deal for Scout this year. In addition to being his last year as a camper, he was elected ‘Spartan Captain’ which meant he was the leader of the Spartan team and would be put under much pressure to WIN every daily camp competition (the captain always competes last so he knows exactly what it will take to win). He was also the “Carnival King” (which is similar to being Homecoming King), another wonderful experience for him. Kooza wowed the crowd again on talent show night with his diabolo act. He usually closes the show each year and gets the loudest applause. The campers have come to look forward to his act. When we arrive at camp they immediately ask if he is doing his diabolo act for talent show and are disappointed if they feel there is any chance he won’t—as if camp wouldn’t be the same if Kooza didn’t include the diabolo. On pick up day, I meet all the counselors and learn how awesome they are. They in turn share with me how awesome my boys are. We love camp. (Snoopy dance here.)

Memory of the Day: It’s official. Pops and I escorted Scout to the DPS (an experience worthy of its own blog entry) to get his first time driver’s license. I was so proud and teary eyed as he drove off the parking lot all by himself. Exciting day for all! The only glitch now is talking Kooza into letting Scout drive him to school—or anywhere else.

SUMMER CAMP

The time for summer camp is finally here! The boys are extremely eager to leave. They’ve waited all summer for this day to arrive.

This will be Scout’s 6th year to attend ‘Camp O’ and Kooza’s 4th. This will also be Scout’s last year as a camper. Next year, he would like to attend as CLP (Counselor Leadership Program). He’s going to make his best efforts to impress the staff and talk them into letting him do the CLP training and work sometime next summer. Actually, I believe (as Mom) that both the boys have impressed the staff so I’m not worried. Besides, the staff actually welcomes ‘lifers’ as they call them. CLP gives them a one week trip to Colorado--that's the part Scout remembers.

We have been working for 2 days to get the trunks packed. As you can see from the photo above, the trunks are full and there is a lot more that’s supposed to fit into them. We even left out some things on the suggested packing list in an attempt to create more room. Of course, there are a lot of things NOT on the list going with them that they assure me, “will be fine and I really need that.” Luckily, the camp has put a ban on cell phones and electronics, so there is no fight there. Lots of 'Spartan Red' in the mix. Both the boys are on the Spartan team.

We drop them off tomorrow afternoon. It will be 2 weeks of deafening quiet around here while they are gone. The only communication is by email and snail mail. I’ve let them know I must receive a minimum of 5 letters or short notes over the 2 weeks they are gone. I’ll hope for the best.