Summer o' Camps

Last summer, Aubree attended Violin Camp, but other than that, my kids had never participated in summer camps.  That changed in dramatic fashion this year!  I already mentioned the two soccer camps I helped organize, and here's a quick run-down on the others...

First, I signed Aubree and Bryce up for a Sport's Camp run by our neighbor's church.  I had a few reservations, the main one being that it went from 7-9 PM!  If you know me, you're aware that I'm kind of a bedtime nazi, so it was a big deal to push back bedtime for a whole week.  

A and B had a great time!  Both were in groups with good friends, so that helped a lot.  

Each night they got to play two or three different sports and spent lots of time running, playing, and being loud.  They came home equal parts wild and exhausted.  

The final night of the sport's camp the church hosted a family BBQ and carnival.  Thane was excited to get to go and participate after watching his older siblings leave every evening of the week.  There were games, crafts, and face painting, but my kids liked the treats the best.

Next on the docket was Aubree's violin camp.  She had such a great time last year that she could not wait for this year's camp to begin.  She was a bit disappointed that some of the friends she made last year didn't return this time around, but she still insisted that she "loved it!"  The dress-up days were particularly fun for her.

Wacky Wednesday

Friday night she was excited to perform in the finale concert.  This year the beginner kids (those with 2 years or less playing experience) got to perform their own songs.  Aubree really loves the performance aspect of playing the violin (even if the practicing part isn't joyous), and she did a great job!

Her brothers in the audience, however, did not do a great job.  Just like last year, I got to take them to the foyer halfway through the evening.  

Last but not least, Aubree went with our neighbors to a 4-day choir camp.  She loves to sing and was thrilled to discover that this camp had dress-up days as well.

Pajama Day

Crazy Hair Day

All went calmly till Thursday morning, when I got a call saying Aubree had thrown up.  Say what?  By the time I arrived to pick her up, she was still pale-faced, but starting to feel better.  By the time we got halfway home, she was chipper and chatty and asking for lunch.  My best guess is she got dehydrated, because the rest of the day she was perfectly healthy.  

Since she was looking completely recovered, we took her to that night's concert, where she and her buddies gave a wonderful performance.  

Phew! Altogether we had 5 weeks of camp this summer.  I'm not sure that's a good thing, but the kids enjoyed them immensely.