C.A.L.L.E.V.A.

My boys are lucky enough to attend several different types of camps over the summer. This fine summer they went to cub scout camp, boy scout camp, art camp, Owlettes, tennis camp and of course Calleva. We love Calleva for many reasons. I like that the boys come home with more outdoor experiences under their young belts, singing songs and telling riddles, jokes and spooky camp stories galore. They are dirtier, happier, more confident and have made many good friendships as well as become better outdoors men.

We also love Calleva because we know the people behind it and their mission and philosophy with children. They are making a difference in this community and for many kids' futures. They have managed to tailor a program that fits many styles of learning and kinds of kids. Even if I didn't know and love the three crazies that own, run and lead the camp, I would adore and respect this camp. I know that my boys have a place there and that makes Eric and I very happy. We want them to be comfortable, learn new things, make lasting friendships, bond with current friends and be in a place where boys can be boys and children can have fun without all "2011 safety over- restraints." Calleva is a safe place (or at least they mask it well), but kids are allowed to hike with blisters, get scraped up in the name of fun, and live "dangerously" while supervised and happy.

I don't get the chance to take many pics of my Calleva darlings, but I snapped a few on the last day of their last week of any camp. Our good friend Sotir was here so I got the whole crew.

Super cute!!

P.S. Happy birthday to me. "One year older and wiser too....." Oh boy. Celebrating quietly! (o;

Wise words

My vision

I realize this is going to sound very... random..... but I simply must share it. Sometime before Eric and I went to Costa Rica, I had a conversation with someone about the Dalai Lama and his plea for world peace. He came to Washington DC for a world peace "summit" and was the main speaker.

I would like to think that the Dalai Lama is in fact, a good guy who really wants people to live in harmony with one another. I am, in fact, a good gal who really wants the same thing. However, my view during this particular conversation on world peace was rather negative. I just feel that so many cultures and religions make it impossible to love, respect and value all types and genders of people. Sad but true. It will likely be the downfall to us all and the pathway to the Second Coming. Something has to get the ball rolling, right?

Anyway, one day in Costa Rica we went to a popular surf beach. I chose not to surf and watch our stuff instead. I rented a chair for the day and planted myself. It was a beautiful day and the beach was covered with people from all over the world. I appreciate diversity (hence staying in the East) and so I intently people watched. As I sat watching, relaxing and sipping on my coconut water, a snow cone stand wheeled in front of my view and set up shop. At first I was annoyed that my view was now blocked, but then I started to watch the man work and all the people lining up to have a snow cone on the beach. First of all, to make the shaved ice, the man had to manually shave the ice and he had to work HARD. The cart seemed to be sturdy until he started working and then it would shake to and fro. The thing that really caught my eye was all the different people that lined up for a snow cone and their reactions and elation after receiving one. The flavors were tropical and exotic juices, not the typical chemical mysteries that America serves up.

I listened to the different languages of each person and was touched (yes I said touched) at the happiness and smiles each person shared with the man working and even myself after getting their special treat. I had a funny thought that if you could set up a snow cone stand in the middle of a war that maybe, just maybe the soldiers would stop for a spell, forget about the hatred and injustices and line up to get a snow cone. EVERYONE loves snow cones. Snow cones can break boundaries and even create some happiness and.....peace.

This little, quaint snow cone stand is my new and improved vision on world peace. Something I thought unattainable can happen. We just have to look for it and appreciate the simple actions and pleasures of life. I don't usually have the time to sit and think about the affairs of the world and I am not sure that given the time, I even want to. I know how things will eventually end so why invest???? I will tell you why, for the smiles, for the small things that bring us all together, for my Savior and His love for all of us. I will try a little harder, seek for more opportunities to serve, try not to judge others, countries, leaders, religions etc. I will be a better person and try to make a difference in the world no matter how small. I will teach my children to love and respect all people. I learned a good lesson that fine day and I got a tan while doing it. Can't beat that. I am so glad I took a picture of the stand so I can always remember that you can learn new things and recreate yourself and your views and opinions every day, no matter what you are doing and where you are placed.

Life is good. Wish I had a snow cone!! (O:

50/50 part 1

Eric decided to go visit his grandparents as well as attend his 25th high school reunion. He kindly took 50% of our children with him..... Nice huh? Even nicer, he took the younger portion of our darlings. Finn and Gabe hopped on a plane with him for a 5 day trip. I stayed home with Tate and Coleman. Easy Peasy. We had a lot of fun and that will be part 2. The boys stayed and played a lot with Grandma Gloria and Grandpops.

Aunt Mary took them to a fun amusement park and they even got to venture to a fun indoor water park with Daddy. It was a quick trip, but a necessary and fun one too. The flight home was hard and they didn't walk in the door until 3:40 am. Ouch!!

Pulling the veggies

Inspecting the carrot

Proud of his harvest

Washing the veggies with Grandpops

Now this is good food!!

Eating the veggies

Is Gabe eating a real or pretend carrot?

Planning the flower arrangements (they made many.... I need to find those pics!)

Grandpops, Jasmine and Uncle Mark (and Gabe in the corner!)

Loving on Granny!!

Playing with Granny. (his Great-Sweet-Grandmother!!)

The Gramps is getting old and frail. He had to have an aneurysm stint put in while Eric was there. Good timing. Luckily he is doing very well.

Paul (Shabby) with the Gramps. They have always had a good relationship and I know the Gramps was glad to see Paul.

Most of the gang.

Nice to have my man and the other 50% home, safe and sound. We missed them and the house was much too quiet. We are excited to go back to Oregon for Thanksgiving!! Yea!!

Let's go out to the ball game!

We love the Nats!!

faster. FaStEr! FASTER!!!

Most of the Martinis clan!!

Getting all set up. Johnny's bum is so nice and round. Lol!!

The adorable Bunkers

Nicholas ripping it up!!

The Bond cutie pies (minus poor William)

Big Johnny with about a million kids and a group of fine ladies... all fighting the rapids!!

And wait, the best pic of the day.... Not my other John and Karen, but one fine lady turned upside down. What strong, nice stick legs she has!! (O;

Actually, THIS might be the best pic of the day (sorry Jen!). Gabe being AWESOME!!

That is either George or Johnny.... being awesome too. I can't tell... he is upside down as well!!

Part of our darlings on their way to lunch in Harpers Ferry. Yum!!!

Ice cream makes the day complete!!

Loading up after lunch... ready to face the Potomac....(faster, faster, faster!!)

Playing in the waterfall at the take out. Can you see Brigg?

Coleman climbing up to join Brigg. I wish I had that pic... Next year!!

To start off the summer right, we went on a rafting trip down the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. We went with a big group of our bravest and most adventurous friends!! It was a very fun day. I entitled this faster, faster, faster because those happened to be Eric's favorite words to Coleman and I the whole day. We paddled hard and I am sure at times we could not have paddled any harder.... you know what I am talking about Daddy!!

The water was pretty tame for the most part, the weather beautiful, the company fun and the day well spent!!

Wise words

Thanks Pinterest. I am wiser already! And that is for another day (my newly found Pinterest addiction...).

PS. I love Pres. Uchtdorf. He is a good man. He knows what is going on and who to reach out to. (O: