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 !!!!!

Happy Fathers Day

Guess what Steve got for Fathers Day???

Last Day of School

Joshua and Thomas ended school for the year on June 5. They had parties and snacks and got out early that day. What fun.

For Thomas's party (where I am the room mom) the kids got to have outdoor games. Then we came in and had donuts, fruit and drinks.

For our class outdoor station, the kids did a "hula relay" race. It was hilarious watching the kids run down, put on the lei, glasses and grass skirt and do the hula. Check out Thomas...

Of course Charles was along for all the fun since his school ended the week before. He shared Thomas's chair and pigged out on donuts with him.


And here is Thomas with his teacher, Mrs. Stephens who he LOVED!




I missed most of Joshua's party, but he got to have root beer floats and then play outside for a long time. Here he is after the fun was over getting ready to go back inside and finish up for the day. Yep, there is Waldo Charles right by his side, not missing a thing.



It was a good year for both boys...summer here we come!

Goodbye May

It is June 1st, but my did we have a busy May. It started with Joshua's birthday. There was a previous post on that subject, but we didn't have his actual party/sleepover until May 8. He invited 6 boys over for dinner, swimming, lots of goofing off and a sleepover. Only 4 of the 6 stayed the night, and all in all it was a pretty good evening. The only "incident" was actually instigated by Joshua. He and Jeremy decided to prank Shepherd (the first to fall asleep) by putting toothpaste in his hair. I'm not sure where they got THAT idea, but I was glad Steve decided to sleep upstairs in the guest room and had to deal with rinsing Shepherd's hair over the tub at 1:00 in the morning. Steve said he couldn't stop laughing...I guess we know where Joshua gets his sense of humor.

Here is Joshua blowing out candles on a big pile of brownies which he prefers over cake.
And here is Josh with his buddy Mason who used to live in this neighborhood, but moved away. This picture was right before the guys played a rousing game of "capture the flag" at the park. Joshua really likes hangin' with Mason.


A week later we went to a Rangers game. It was hot and sticky, but a lot of fun. There is a section at the ballpark where the kids can go hit and pitch balls of their own.
This was one of the "family nights" at the ballpark, and there were spectacular fireworks after the game. Thomas was very "into" the game. the Rangers played the Angels and WON!
Next in May was the last day of school and field day for Charles. This was a big day for the Kalls because we have had a kid in that preschool for the last 7 years, and we are DONE! It is definitely bittersweet. I no longer have any babies which makes me very sad, but we have great memories from that school and are excited to have all three boys at the same Elementary next year.
Charles is doing the "Alphabet Parade" with his class and eating a popsicle after field day activities.

And here he is giving big hugs to his awesome teachers!

Finally, the boys had field day at their school as well. Don't worry, Joshua DID get a haircut soon after these pictures were taken!

Here is Thomas with his buddy Blake.

May was fun, but we are all READY for summer!!

Piano Recital

The boys had their first ever piano recital today. It was so much fun to see all the other kids that take piano from their teacher. Speaking of their teacher, her name is Mrs. Tackett and she is the boys music teacher at school. We really lucked out getting a spot with her. She is SO sweet, but really pushes the kids. She does nothing but encourage them and tell them all how great they are!

We are so proud of how well they are doing with piano. Here are their "movie" selections. Thomas played Star Wars, and Joshua played a song from the Lion King. Then they played their duet, "Yo Ho" from Pirates of the Caribbean.

A little piano

Check out Joshua and Thomas playing a duet they just learned at piano lessons. They have been only playing since January. This is so much fun!!!