Closing up camp

Over Columbus-Day weekend we took a trip up to camp to close it up for the fall. Just like last year, the weather was splendid--cold but sunny, so that we could do the outdoor activities which are the mainstay of a successful camp trip. Below are some photos from that trip, prefaced by two photos from Susan and Josh.

First, here's a cute moment between Susan and Josh. Josh was insisting that Susan was sad, maybe so he could comfort her:

Susan wrote about this:

Tim took this during a long conversation during which I tried to convince Josh to give me a kiss and he refused, on the grounds that Mommy was sad... he kept cupping my face in his little hands and telling me to make a sad face.

And here's a couple of shots from our anniversary trip to Columbus--Uncle Stu playing with Josh:

Now, up to camp. The sky had that blue color you only get in the fall, and the water was wonderfully still.  The morning temperatures were in the mid 40s, climbing near the low 60s during the day.

Here's Josh, who was feeling huggy and kissy for some reason:

The first night, Josh helped out by sweeping the deck:

We took a walk down the Stone Valley trail in Colton. Just beautiful!

Big news in Colton: they've painted the huge pipe!

Sam, caught mid-jump:

You have to click on, and enlarge, these, to truly appreciate them:

One of the tasks for closing up camp is sweeping the roof. I couldn't resist this one:

A Hershey's Kiss will be given the first person to name that conformal map!

Sam helps, at least on the flatter part of the roof:

Though it was a short trip (up Sat afternoon, back Monday afternoon) we managed meals at Sergi's and the Higley Hide-away Diner Cafe, as well as a very pleasant trip to the state-park playground (or as Josh called it, the "Steak Park"--if only!). And while I did the water, Susan took the boys on a marathon walk out to McEwan's (sp?) point.

Oh, and a movie night for the boys, watching Wreck-it Ralph. 

Sam had fussed that he didn't want to go up to camp, cause it was boring there. Afterward he gushed about how much fun it was, and observed how easy it is to forget that.

2^2^2nd anniversary in Columbus!

Last month for our 16th anniversary we went to Columbus. We stayed in a quaint B&B near downtown. And by "we" I mean Susan and me; Josh went off with Stu and Sue, and Sam stayed with Amy, accompanied by Nana and Grandad. 

Just to be clear, that's almost 24 hours of civilized living, thanks completely to kind family! 

Susan and I went to dinner Friday night at a beautiful upscale place in beautiful upscale German Village. Saturday we went to the Franklin Park (plant) Conservatory, and had lunch at another nice place on Grandview Avenue. 

Very civilized.  :-)

Josh and Sam went to the Zoo, but apart from one another, which I think must have been a great treat for them. Josh never once asked about Mommy and Daddy.  :-)  AA baked cookies with Sam, and went with him and Nana to the Columbus Museum of Art. 

I think the boys had as good a time as we did. Below are some photos...

Outside Lindey's, in German Village, Friday night

Again, at Lindey's

German Village is all cobblestoney and gorgeous in an old-world way

Even though it was mid September, this house had decorated for Hallowe'en already

Josh, post-bath Friday night. Once out he told Stu and Sue that he was "sweet and clean".

Sam's closet nest at AA's

The art museum had an area for kids to dress up

Sam in the reptile house

What a good weekend! Thanks, family!