The Work Van Gang

A List.

1)  Since we last spoke, we have gone on two camping trips.  The first one was with David’s work, or as Little Dude refers to them as “Dave’s Work Van Friends.”

This is humorous because:

A)  He should probably refer to “Dave” as Dad.  But whatever.

B)  David drives a work van.  And so do his fellow comrades.

I was informed that I would most certainly NOT be the only wife camping.  Alas.  I was the ONLY wife camping.

2)  Raise your hand if you think “Dave’s Work Van Friends” were bummed that there was a wifey present to ruin their manly man fun.  They probably wanted to burp, fart, and blow stuff up, but had to mind their manners instead.

3)  We returned from that camping trip on Sunday only to go back to camping on Wednesday.  On Wednesday night, David dropped the bambinos and I off because he had to be a part of the Work Van Gang on Thursday.  My parents camped with us on Wednesday.  And we spent Thursday doing what my side of the family does best:

Shopping.

We went to a nearby town and had a great time perusing the thrift stores and antique shops.

I got the kids to participate in taking this commemorative photo:

Yes.  This was the best photo I could get.  Trust me.  I tried.

And why is there a lioness attacking a zebra next to two dashing bull elks?  I ask you?

Instead of making lunch at camp, we went out to lunch!  Little Dude fancied a slice of marionberry pie.  I was worried he would get his shirt stained, so I tried to make him a napkin bib.

I fear he didn’t quite grasp the concept.  But napkin capes are also awesome.

4)  Since we were the first ones at camp, we had to save sites for the other campers who would soon be joining us.

This was my attempt to create a “campsite.”

Looks legit, doesn’t it?

5)  Camping was busy, per usual.  On Friday, we went to a nearby town and rode bikes, picked blackberries, and swam at the beach.  On Saturday, David and I, along with our two girls, had to leave and go clean our rental.  My parents, bless their hearts, offered to watch our two darling boys.  They are still talking to us, so it apparently went well.  On Saturday night, the girls and I joined David’s Mom, brother Alex, and sis-in-law Holly, on a moonlit Kayak ride and it was probably my most favorite part of the trip.  We had a grand time!  On Sunday, we floated the river and then rushed off to see the fireworks show.

Yes.  Fireworks.  You heard me.

My cute niece hung out with me for a few minutes.  This is rare because my nieces usually pick my daughters over me.  Apparently they are more fun that I am.  But I snapped a cute photo of the two of us while it lasted.

You probably can’t tell, on account of my awesomeness, but I have no idea where to look when I am taking a picture of myself.  Just an FYI.

When the fireworks started, my niece got scared.  She turned to her mom and said,

“Mom! I think I need my lifejacket!”

Ha!

6)  We came home from camping yesterday (Monday) and had to quickly attempt to clean everything up so we could get ready for school.

7)  Tuesday came.  I was not ready for school.

8)  Today (Tuesday) was the first day of school.  It did not go as HORRIBLY AWFUL TERRIBLE TRAGICAL BAD BAD BAD as I thought it would, but it was not fantastic by any means.

Two kids cried.

But then again, let’s look at the bright side. Two kids DIDN’T cry!

Win!

Our day started at 8:40 am, which was 10 minutes behind schedule.

It happens.

I was hoping to end by 3-ish and didn’t end until 4:30, but a lot of that has to do with working out kinks and new curriculum and whatnot.  The girls worked on finishing up assignments until 5:30, which was later than I would like, but they did a bit extra.

Here are some “back to school photos.”

Sweet Pea, 5th grade

Daisy Mae 4th Grade

Handsome Dude, 1st Grade

Little Dude, Kindergarten (but doing all the same things with brother-makes it easier on me!!)

I ain’t gonna lie.  Today kicked my hiney.

Here’s to hoping that we survive this year!

Happy Tuesday!