Wednesday I was tired. Didn't sleep much thanks to a unexpected little red head (Aaron) tossing and turning in my bed. (Darin was away on business.) However, my very adventurous friend convinced me to join her family for a hike. Without her coaxing, we would have stayed home and had way less fun. I'M SO GLAD for the nudge in the right direction. What a great day!
The kids at the start of the hike. The hike was strenuous and a
steady climb, but definitely manageable at about 1 mile to the top.
This view was beautiful. We are definitely coming back in the fall!
I was very nervous with those kids up there, but they listened well and enjoyed the view.
The weather was beautiful, really beautiful. Not too hot with a refreshing breeze.
Irina stayed close. Ethan was scrambling around like a little mountain goat. Luke and Aaron were
eager to stay near the front of the pack. So glad to have two other adults to manage different speeds.
"I'm really really tired, but I had a really good day, Mommy. It was so much fun!" exclaimed Irina.
Last Saturday, the older three kids and I went on a field trip to ropes course with the children's ministry at church. (rising 4-6th graders) Aaron didn't mind staying behind with Daddy. I'm thankful for his good attitude about getting left behind 6 days in a row. Arts camp and now ropes... phew! His only request was that Darin take out his childhood toys and let him play with them. Darin graciously said "yes"! Aaron was thrilled to dig into the bins of toys from the 80's - Transformers, Mask, and Star Wars toys.
Luke, Ethan, Irina and I climbed some trees while Aaron went back in time.
The necessary, but uncomfortable harness... I personally did NOT love wearing
this tight cinching piece of equipment, but I suppose it is important for keeping us safe. ;)
We broke up into three groups and I did not get placed with any of the kids. I missed
out seeing them climb, but thankful for other leaders sharing some pictures and videos with me.
In case you don't know:
A ropes course is a challenging outdoor personal development and team building activity which usually consists of high and/or low elements. Low elements take place on the ground or only a few feet above the ground. High elements are usually constructed in trees or made of utility poles and require a belay for safety.
Here is Luke, high up in the trees! He said he was very nervous, but he did it.
I tried it too. It was terrifying and thrilling at the same time. I can't remember the specifics, but we climbed a tree 30-40 feet high on metal staples. Then we had to cross a wire to the other side, reaching out to hanging ropes. It took a while for my heart to stop pounding after I was lowered down. SO MUCH FUN!! I must say I was tempted to be asked to be lowered down before walking across the wire. I kept thinking in my head, "I've got to be able to tell the kids I did it."
Then there was this element, seen in the video above. The Pompous Pole. Here's Ethan jumping off the pole and hitting a ball that was dangling from a wire out in front of him. Based on what you know about Ethan, are you surprised that he had a TERRIFIC time?? He was in HEAVEN! I did this one too. The telephone pole was SO wiggly as I climbed and then getting to standing up on the pole before jumping...oh my goodness! I screamed like a little girl. Ethan did not. :) Luke and Irina made it up this pole too. She didn't stand up, but I'm proud of my girl for making it to the top of the staples. Sometimes I wonder how crazy she thinks we are.
Irina and Ethan's group climbed a tree and jumped out of a platform holding on to this swing.
Didn't get to see it first hand but loved the video. Thanks, Rebecca! This video is of Irina.
Luke, Ethan, and Irina participated in a discipleship arts camp last week and they loved it! Last Friday was the conclusion of the week and an opportunity for the kids to display their work and/or perform for the families.
Every day at camp, the kids had small group Bible study, Bible memory work, and CHOIR!
All of it was great, but I was especially thankful for the experience in choir. Being homeschooled, they have certainly had music exposure (drum lessons, piano lessons, classical music, etc.). They have NOT had choir experience and that was such a huge part of my school experience. So glad they got a taste of it. They performed three songs on Friday night and it was lovely.
The kids got to select two electives. Luke and Ethan chose art: drawing and painting AND
woodworking. They weren't in the same classes, but they really enjoyed all of it.
Irina chose drama and cooking. Perfect for her! She played the part of a ladybug in a play and had
some group speaking lines. They also did a dance as a group. She was full of enthusiasm and joy.
Each day she brought home a fun treat that she made in
cooking class and was always kind to share with her brothers.
All the kids in her group wore little chef hats during class. Isn't that cute?
A great camp experience...and we're relatively new to this camp thing. ;)
