The Pines...Part 2

After a very emotional week, we went back to The Pines to pick up Joshua. You notice I didn't say Joshua and Thomas. That is because Thomas actually got sick on Wednesday and had to come home early. He was running a fever (103 degrees) and had a sore throat and headache. He hung out in the nurses office and was taken to a clinic. It turned out to be a pretty mild little virus, that he got at a bad time. We drove out to Big Sandy and brought him home that night. It only lasted a couple of days, but we were sad he had to miss the second half of camp.

So after a few days of rest, Steve, Charles, Thomas and I headed out again. We spent the night in a hotel in Longview which proved to be very exciting to Charles! Then on Saturday morning we headed to the camp for the 9am morning service at the Cathedral of the Pines.

The service started out with some songs and words from "Big Tuna" the camp director.
Then all the counselors had to tell their real names (the kids only knew their made up counselor names all week and spent hours trying to guess their names). They also told everyone what school they were attending in the fall


This is Ewok...a camp favorite who also happen to be one of Thomas's counselors. We aren't sure what his real name is. Nobody remembers...but he was really funny.




It was fun seeing all the campers with their cabins, in their new Pines shirts listening intently to these fine Catholic young men and women who were such good examples for them all weekHere you see that Thomas joined his cabin for this last little ceremony, and Joshua is listening intently to the counselors tell their names.

Here is Thomas with two of his three counselors as well as some cabin mates.


And Joshua with one of his Counselors (Bobo) who is staying at the Pines in the fall to help with religious retreats and nature education that the camp does all year round.


In spite of logging about 15 hours on the road and a sick camper, all in all, the camp was a great experience. Both boys want to go back next year, they made it home with all their stuff and had a great time. They played games, rode horses, swam a lot, rode canoes, tie dyed shirts, went down a huge slide into the lake, made smores, had a bonfire, watched skits, goofed off a LOT and made many good memories. All of this while learning more about their Catholic faith.

The staff was so great with Thomas when he was sick. They called us immediately, took him to the doctor, gave him medicine, treated him kindly and worried over him like he was their own. The camp director was completely aware of what was going on, and in addition to running the camp, he met us at our car at 10:00 when we got there on Wednesday. The nurse was also very calm and loving. This experience made me have great respect for the people running the Pines.

I am glad the boys had fun, and I'm glad they are home!

Here are some random pictures taken during the week by the Pines photographer.

The Pines

Joshua and Thomas went to camp today. This is the first time they have been to an overnight camp, and they were very excited. A little nervous too, but mostly excited.

It's funny the difference in moms and dads in these situations. We give our kids such different advice. For example, I told Joshua "don't forget bug spray. But if you do get bites and need benadryl, don't be afraid to ask." Steve told the boys "always get the hot meal unless it just looks really really gross. You will be hungry out there and cereal and sandwiches don't stick with you." I told Thomas, "keep up with your stuff, hang up your towel. You don't want to be stuck with a nasty wet towel the whole week." Steve said "when you get there, get the lay of the land. Try to figure out where you are right away so that if you ever get separated from the group you can find your way back." All this advice was being fired at them over breakfast this morning, poor kids! Its a wonder they weren't nervous wrecks.

No, that was me!

So nervous I forgot my camera. Thank goodness for my good friend, Nicole

We settled them in, made their beds and kissed them goodbye.
Here is Charles saying goodbye to Thomas on his bunk bed.
And Thomas taking my advice...putting on his sunscreen. So cute! (he didn't see me take this one)
And here is Joshua in his bunk...which is right next to his friend, John Ramsey.
I'm sure I will get through this week somehow. Me and my buddy Charles will hang out a lot and there will be some quiet in the house. I'm not sure how I will manage.

Meanwhile...the boys will be having a great time !!!!!