It is hard to believe we are already in the middle of June! How time flies when you're having fun! :)
Unfortunatly, I cannot upload pictures right now, but I felt I MUST write, even if it is a little more boring just to read and not see the evidence!
We have all been at camp now for just over 2 weeks. During those weeks, there were no campers since the counselors had staff training, so we were able to get to meet lots of new friends. We are all being spoiled by the counselors and most of all by our wonderful cooks: Heidi and Peter - a beautiful wife and husband team. I am being spoiled because everyone is so willing to help out whenever I need extra hands, and the kids are being spoiled with all of the love flowing their way.
We've been outside a LOT! We are currently staying in a camper, which really isn't too bad since all of our meals are in the dining hall with the counselors and we've had nice weather. The couple times it has been too hot or raining, we go to a retreat building that has a nice tv so we've taken in a couple movies. Otherwise we are typically outside, at the library, or in the arts & crafts center. The kids have all gone canoeing, fishing, swimming, and we've gone "fast like a speedboat!!!" on the camp's pontoon. Not too many bug bites, but we've all had our share of ticks- yuk. But needless to say - we're having some fun :)
The only issue I have with the camper is the fact that all of my "tricks" are packed away where I can't find them. In my own home, I know where the chalk, sprinkler, craft supplies, puzzles, instruments, etc. are all hidden, so sometimes I feel like it is hard to find things to keep them all busy. But alas, the weeks seem to be speeding by so I must be figuring something out. Jon and I just put an offer on a house!!!! We're SOOO excited, but the closing date looks like it will be the middle of August, so we will for sure be on the campus basically all of summer camp. This has been, and will be, invaluable time for us, as Jon is getting to know the camp much better since we are there, and the camp will now also be a second family for all of us. In ministry, Jon and I have found that it is important to know your church or camp because they really become a part of your family, so I'm thankful (even though all our boxes are packed for the summer) that we are staying at camp. We may be moving into a camp cabin in a couple weeks, as the numbers for campers aren't as high after the first couple weeks. If we move then we'll have a little more room to spread out and I could maybe even bring in a couple extra boxes of "tricks" hidden away (if I can find them first!).
I've REALLY been enjoying time with the baby lately! Ezekial is such a doll! He has been a great baby and can woo anyone that comes within 10 feet of him - he's so adorable. What I've really enjoyed though is seeing him grow. It's easy to forget how quickly babies change. In just the three and a half weeks he's been with us he is starting to hold things more - he grasps his toys and wants to hold/play with his bottle. He is soooo close to rolling over from his back to front. And the best part is he smiles and giggles a lot more! He has this huge grin and great giggle - makes your heart melt! Whenever I can get pics on here, I will also post a video of him giggling - I think your hearts will melt too!
Trinity and Caleb were born to be "brother and sister" - at least they sure know how to act like it! They have a love/hate relationship, that 95% of the time ends in love :) It can be the best of times, and the worst of times with those two, but of course it is when I don't have anything to do that they are great together, and it is as soon as I want to get something done (dishes, paperwork, etc) that they decide EVERYTHING needs to be an argument - I'm beginning to think they have a 6th sense called the "let's do everything we can to keep Mara/Mom from showering, cleaning, or anything else adult".
Well, I have a feeling Zek will be waking up here any minute from a nap and the kids are going to need supper soon so I best be going! Hope this gave you a little glimpse into our world. Although chaotic at times, it really has been fun having the bigger family. Jon, Caleb and I are blessed to have Trinity and Zek in our lives.
Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes, we are blessed to have such supportive friends and family.
Love,
Mara