Reunited and it felt so good! Pine Cove 14 is in the books!
We survived a week at Pine Cove. Some parts of the “we” were actually at the camp, some were not. I would say the one who got to actually be at camp had a much easier time. I missed Bree way more than I thought I would. Wait, that sounds kinda bad. Of course I missed her, I’m her mom. But I had no idea that I would feel it in the pit of my stomach each and everyday and that time would move SOOOOOOO slowly. Truthfully the only thing that got me through were the pictures that Pine Cove posted on 3 of the days. I so looked forward to looking for Bree’s face in the hundred or so pics they posted. Even if I didn’t see her, I got to see the types of things they were doing and that made me feel connected. But when I saw her face, it was just like finding the jackpot. I was instantly reminded that this was such a great experience for her and I just needed to put my big girl panties on and go to work.
From what I have seen and heard from Bree, her first camp experience was everything we could have hoped for and much much more. I had a dream while she was gone at camp that she would run up to me the day we came to pick her up and tell me that camp was “oh so fun” but that she never wanted to do it again. This would have made me sad, but it would have been okay as well!
My subconscious was concerned for nothing.
She did run up to me on the last day of camp and tell me that camp was “oh so fun” and after the world’s most amazing hug (see below), all she wanted to talk about was heading to the camp store to buy some more souvenirs! To say she’s hooked on Pine Cove would be an understatement.
Never fear, I always have tons of questions:
Me: What was your favorite activity?
Bree: Breathtaker (apparently it a high ropes course option that she almost cried on but it became her favorite). I’ll show you what it looks like on the video, mom!
Me: How was the food?
Bree: So good and we got these snacks with a cookie on both sides and ice cream in the middle for snack everyday! (Oh to have her metabolism)
Me: Did you like all your cabinmates?
Bree: Yes, but I love the counselors the best.
Me: What was your favorite theme night?
Bree: Pitch Black Attack – I got to use my night vision goggles.
Me: Why didn’t you wear your big hawaiian hat we packed for theme night?
Bree: I liked the flower my cabinmate gave me better.
Mom: How was the blob?
Bree: AMAZING!
Me: Did you write me a letter?
Bree: Mom, there wasn’t a lot of time to write. I only had time to write Bennett, Julia (her best friend) and Audrey (her cousin). You and Grammy sent me so much mail that it took all of FOB (Flat on Back) time to open and read them. #campproblems
Me: Did it rain a lot?
Bree: Only one day and a lot at night, but we played this fun ball game when it rained.
Me: What horse did you ride?
Bree: Polka, she was named that because she had a big spot on her.
Me: What did you learn about Jesus?
Bree: He gives us armor to wear to live life!
Me: Did you miss me?
Bree: So much!!
Me: Do you want to come back next year?
Bree: Yep, I can’t wait to see all my counselor friends!
Red White &Flew and Princess loving on Bree
Pinprobs and Bree – so grown up!
So that pretty much wraps up her week. I had no less than 5 counselors brag on Bree and tell me that they wanted her to stay the rest of summer. She was definitely in her element!
Pine Cove again knows how to do this camp thing right. They had a great way to wrap up camp for the the families. We arrived at camp about 8:30 (I just couldn’t wait until 9 to see her). Luckily they were bringing out all their stuff and I spotted Bree a few minutes after arriving. We hugged and hugged and hugged. I just couldn’t let her go. We then got to explore and SHOP and hang out until it was time to head to the dining hall for the final assembly.
Bree headed back to be with her cabin and the rest of camp starting singing songs as they waited to come greet us inside.
After they headed in, we got to hear all the songs they had been singing all week and watch the camp video and engage in prayers of thanksgiving for such a great week.
Then each counselor gave a small speech about each of their campers! Pinprobs said that Bree was just so “loving” – I can’t imagine a better description!
Final pic with our bunkmate and camp bff Lindy!
Hey Pine Cove…see ya next year!
Not sure Pine Cove is ready yet for the #redheadedwonderboy, but he sure is!
One final cookie sandwich before we hit the road!
Funny faces by Bauer!
And of course more swinging….the promise of swinging is how we got the boys up so early!
Murphy party of five!
Daddy’s turn…
Glad we had just enough silly string left for the drive out of camp!
So so proud of this girl!
About half way home, she finally gave into sleep! Her baby brother joined in as well!
Camp is hard work, but so so worth it! Maybe next year I’ll even get a letter!
