Wapsie Reunion

The timing was not good, as it was the first weekend after school had started, but I'm so glad we went to the Camp Wapsie staff reunion. The last time we were at camp was for a reunion as well. I was pregnant with Henry at the time. So this is the very first time any of the kids have been to Wapsie. 

 While we were there we had so much fun, just seeing friends and trying out all of the activities. The first thing we did, after saying Hi to folks at the outdoor chapel, was to head down to canoeing. There was a current staff member down there (named Clara!) who brought our some frog catching nets for the kids.

 Henry enjoyed the Burma Bridge. I wouldn't let him go all the way across, though, because we did not have clothes to change into if he fell.

 Looking back on the pictures now, I just feel so full of emotion. I can't think of a way to say it, without sounding really corny. But it just is so amazing to see my children enjoying a place that maybe feels more "home" to me than just about anywhere. Camp is so full of love and happiness and comfort for me. This picture of them eating their banana boats is maybe my favorite.

 Although, this picture is also pretty great. Darcie was in the middle of teaching Henry and Clara how to make warm fuzzies. She was chastising me for the kids not knowing what warm fuzzies were.

 Here we are with Frederick sleeping on my back. I was helping Henry and Clara pound designs into little leather turtles.

Archery was a challenge for Henry. He wanted to be good at it right away, and of course, it's a difficult thing to do! He did eventually get an arrow on the target, but not before his sister did, which did not make him very happy. 

 Here we are, eating in the lodge. We were all hungry enough for several tacos. Mostly I just love how Frederick is peeking up over the table.

 The kids wanted to come up with me when I went up to help with the meal program.

 It was hot in the lodge, which we all agreed we would have handled much better back in the day. It was still fun to be loud and sing our songs. The non-camp spouses may not have thought we were a little crazy....but they knew that when they married us.

 After lunch we went back to the outdoor chapel for a group photo.

 The same old picture lady was there (though I shouldn't say 'old,' she was looking great) and she took some family and group shots for us. She snapped this one with my camera without me even having to ask! I love how Frederick is grabbing his toes, and I just love the photo of my whole family at camp.

 Clara, Kirin and Henry were great pals all day.

 They would have spent more time frogging, but then we found out that the pool was opening up early. Yay Pool!

 We all spent a couple hours just floating around in the pool. Kirin, Henry and Clara found lots of little toads to "rescue." Frederick had a little nap in his stroller after his swim. The big kids and I went to change and find a little treat at the store. After some playing at the teepee village and on the volleyball court it was time for dinner. There was more singing...

 ...and a little kissing.

We didn't stick around for the wish stick fire. I would have really liked to, but it was late and we were worn out. By the time we got back to Mom's, the kids were wiped out. I love this photo, because it looks like they fell asleep holding hands....and that's totally the Wapsie spirit.