coming home

No matter how much fun we were all having together in Pine, both the kids (and mommy, too) were eager to have the boys back from camp. Since Nana’s cabin happened to be on the route home, they made a quick stop in to say hello after almost a week away.

A sleepy Taylor decided he’d stay with us in Pine for one more day, rather than continuing home with the scouts. [Todd got to drive the boys home and rest up for a day on his own without any demands from his scouts or his wife. (Read: he slept.)]

{Gabriel was happy with that decision. Don’t tell anyone, but so was Paige. She even admitted to *missing* him.}

We made our dirty camper shower and brush his teeth. He copped to the fact that he didn’t brush his teeth the whole campout until that morning as they were packing to leave. I’m ashamed to have not taught him better the importance of good hygiene and will forward the dental bill to him later. Then Nana, the kids, and I loaded into the car and made our way to the Natural Bridge for a day trip. Along the way, he told us all about his camping adventures and the awards he won.

We spent the afternoon outside; picnic-ing and playing baseball. Paige completed a jr. ranger packet and earned herself a badge. Taylor reclaimed his role as teacher and Gabriel-chaser. Once Grandma Marsha met up with us so that she could chase after Gabriel, I hiked with the big kids.

let me count the ways

I love Pine. A lot. I loved it when I was little, and I love it now. I love watching my kids love it.

Todd and Taylor headed off to Scout Camp and I headed to Pine with what was left of my family and my fun grandmother. Pine is better when she’s with us.

We took a giant “bored” box with things for Paige to do. But, wouldn’t you know - we were so busy, we didn’t even need it.

We made several trips to the dry creek bed. I don’t know why, but it’s held a fascination to the kids in our family since I was one of the kids. Sitting under the bridge, looking out for creepy-crawlies, chasing butterflies, exploring. Just being outside.

Paige excitedly went off with her Grandma Marsha for the afternoon all to herself. While she was gone, I had Gabriel act as my model as I went about Grandma’s property taking pictures of all the things that held memories for me.

We started with what used to be the old chicken coop. I’ve never seen it used for chickens in my life time. Now it’s primary use is for housing old materials from past projects, old appliances and tools that are past their prime, and as a scenic backdrop for photos. I love the big tree that was perfectly planted there years ago by a squirrel.

Gabriel served as a great model – even if this was his favorite pose:

With Paige gone, Gabriel also got to have some one on one time with his Nana – they loved on each other, tickled, and read to his heart's content:

Nana was a good sport about his constant, “Ana! Ana! Wasssshhhhh!” (Nana! Nana! Watch!) until he got her undivided attention.

This evening picture of Grandma on the porch is one of my faves:

Other than the fact that Gabriel is the busiest boy I know, and on our first day there ran across the usually busy highway after a ball – it was a relaxing few days.

Did I mention I kind of love it there?