HANNAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh if only I could be as excited as two 4 years olds about anything. Hannah is Audrey's 2nd cousin once removed or something like that, but we'll just go with "cousin." They are only 2 months apart in age and were 2 peas in a pod, or 2 fish in a bucket, and just plain thrilled to see each other. They had good, good times.

Until next time, Hannah.

Miscellaneous Camp

The weather was beautiful. It is so funny to go from space heater to fans in the span of 3 or 4 days, but that's Camp weather for you. There is a certain air of nothingness to Camp, in the best sort of way. I really kind of wish that there was no cell phone access, but just a pay phone attached to a tree for emergencies.

We both remember this toy! Thanks Maggie for letting us play with it while you sleep.

Clara Mara House is tucked in for the night. She is Audrey's current lovie. However, she was most unfortunately left with Aunt Kady at Camp and we will not be reunited until late July.

B, Maggie, Kady. 3 people looking at 3 different cameras.

A view from below

A view from the Sleeping House.

It's a dog's world a t Camp. Chew to your heart's content.

Impossible to get everyone to smile, or even look at the camera at the same time.

Catching the first fish at Camp!

The boat house.

Ben spent 80% of his time at Camp on this step. There were so many wind chimes dangling just out of his reach, and so many people to look at in each room.

Fungus. It's a tradition. there are fungus masterpieces dating back for decades. These fungus things grow on downed trees and you an write on them with sticks and they seem to last forever. This was the ONLY fungus we found, I guess the trend is catching among Lake Titus-ites, because we only found this one because we got off the trail a bit and this was on the bottom of a fallen tree. Audrey wrote her name on it to commemorate her 2010 experience.

The Log Book

Every time someone visits Camp, they write in the Log Book. It does not matter if you have been there before, never been there before, are part of the family or have found the place by accident. The Log Book has been kept for many years, and it is a wonderful history of Camp and the adventures within its walls.

Audrey writes in the Log Book for the first time.

P.S. These are some of my favorite pictures from the trip. So deep in thought, and ingrained in Camp history forever!

The dogs

Ok, so some of youa re asking why in the world we decided to take a 16 hour trip with 2 giant animals. the dogs are part of Camp and Camp is a heaven of sorts for the dogs. Not to mention that Murphy's Mommy, brother's and sister are there and they all get to  swim and roll in the dirt together.

Bauer, Macklin (brother), Gracie (Mommy), Murphy, Stella (sister), Ridley.

Mt. Immortelle

There are two trails to hike at Lake Titus, or at least 2 that I know of. Elephant's head is one, and last time In was there it was told to me that we were all going to die of Poison Oak, so we went for the tougher of the trips and climbed Mt. Immortelle. Audrey thought we were going to the Elephant Hotel, which would be a great combo of the two. It's the harder of the two and Audrey has been up it before, but she was the one in the Ergo. The weather was great and once she realized that it was hard, but we were NOT turning back, she sucked it up and was amazed at the view from the top.

Mud bath = heaven for dogs.

The sun is in my eyes, so I will steal Mommy's glasses.

Mud + Dog = happiness. Also a total mess.

This is sooo beautiful, Mommy. We made it to the top!

Mommy freaks out because they are so close to the edge.

The Swing

This porch wing is not exactly on a porch, but near the porch. It is a classic spot for family photos, lazy afternoons, and deep conversation.

Audrey and Pop put the swing up together and were caught in a "moment" as Audrey pushed Pop in the swing. 

Kady and Pop having their moment on the swing.

Trying to get the classic Camp family photo. Three out of four ain't bad.

The Buzz Brothers

I earned another merit badge today.  I shaved a dog! Murphy was soo matted after having the time of his life at Camp that he had to be shaved. I admit, it was fun, but after a little while I realized that he has  ALOT of fur!!!! I shaved on and think I did a pretty good job for my first time out of the box. Who needs the DVD that is included with the kit!!!

The Chateau

No one could have possibly been more excited to be taking an RV to Camp than Audrey, A CAMPER, A CAMPER!!!! Let me see, was it hour 10 or 12 of the return trip when she said "I am really tired of being in this camper" about every other minute!!!! Ditto Audrey. Emphatic body dittos.

Fourth of July @ Lake Titus

A perfect day. Except for the part where we had to leave.

Testing, 1, 2, 3.

Every car seat I have ever owned has been inadvertently tested by a feline. Just put a car seat in the house somewhere and a cat will find it. If your cat cannot not get comfortable in it, then toss it. This new one is no exception.

Operation Christmas Card

Ok, so I have taken the easier route and am posting about 10 years of Christmas instead of sorting through hundreds of Camp pictures. Jeff and I have been mentally planning a Christmas Card memory photo-thingy for awhile now, but we waited 10 years to do it. So, here it is. Please note that I pay professional photographers to take pictures of my family for a reason. I know, there is a whole bunch 'o reflection and crookedness.

Hold on to your hats!

July. What an eventful month so far, and you know there is much more to come (7/11). I will be posting bunches of pictures from the CAMP adventure we just returned from today. By the time I get that all posted and all the laundry done, it will be time to head off to South FL for another adventure. I thought summer was supposed to be spent relaxing with an umbrella style drink in my hand and the kids in camp 24/7. Oh, that was a momentary daydream. We are having tons of fun, we just go to the far corners of the east coast to do it. Stay tuned.

Nekked afternoon

If there is one thing about being a child, it's being nekked and not getting in trouble for it. Not that I have ever considered being naked, or nekked in public, but I am going to avoid it for myself. Ben does not have a problem with public nekkedness. After soaking himself in the frog -ridden pool out back with his sister, he decided to strip down and hit the front yard. Below is a photo-graphical journey of his adventures.Yes, these will be used as either senior yearbook pictures, blackmail, or both.

The real deal

Ben was growing quite the "bob" in the back since I had just been trimming the mullet over the last few months, so it was time for him to get a real haircut. He did great and looks so handsome, and yes it was only half price since he didn't need a trim on top. He's all business up front!

15 months

Happy 15 months to my sweet cuddle bug, Ben. Snakes and snails and puppy-dog tails, maybe? Sweetness and cuddles and hugs and kisses too.

Be our guest....

Beauty and the Beat tea party- need I say more. It was the grand finale of Disney camp and it was delightful!!! As I was taking Audrey to camp she asked if I would "wear something a little nicer than my t-shirt" to the party. Ok, I got the hint. I dressed up for my baby girl.

Quote of the day

"If we get a fish before Bailey dies and we see fish bones laying around the house then we know that Bailey ate the fish and that she's in big trouble."
- If you guessed anyone other than Audrey, then you do not know this family and must leave the blog immediately.

Change of plans

Alice in Wonderland day was wonderful! I am sure it was, but Audrey did not make it. Ben scored an early morning appointment with the only pediatric dermatologist this side of Duke and we headed off to Ft. Mill, SC bright and early. We had planned to be back in time for camp, but Ben ended up having 4 biopsies of his "rash"or "lesions" or whatever and we were all exhausted and traumatized and all 3 of us drove back home and took naps. Ben was a trooper, but understandably was upset while he was being sawed on by the Dr. (who was really, really nice, but anyone with a needle and a knife is scary). I think she is going to get to the bottom of all this periodic rash/fever junk. Let's hope!

The Bear Necessities

It was Jungle Book day today! Face painting, monkey dancing, drum beating = fun!

Jasmine and Aladdin Day

Today was Aladdin day at Princess camp and Audrey was dressed for the part! She had a wonderful time. She learned songs and dances and took magical carpet rides around the campus. Here is a picture of her learning her latest dance moves. Jasmine clearly has a better camera than Tinkerbell.