Girls camp

I recently got back from girls' camp. I'm not even going to try and recount all the wonderful experiences I had there, such task would require too much uninterrupted time. But I will write down a few random thoughts:

:: being gone for days for the first time in Ivy's life was... interesting. She didn't wean, and she got really clingy. When she sees me by the mirror getting ready, or putting my shoes on, she gets a bit hysterical. Poor girl...

:: backpacking night was wonderful. Hike was beautiful, and food from the fire pit was especially good. Bringing my own piece of wild salmon was worth it. My body was not happy with all the beef I was having that week at the camp...

:: bringing home my lifeless camera *body* was depressing, but at that point I was just happy to be home and with my family again (because I did miss them). It's still dead with no signs of life and who knows when I'll get to replace it. Could be next year. A tip to myself - don't flood my tent next time and don't set the camera down into 1" deep puddle of water.

:: realizing just how terrified I am of heights all of the sudden was not fun. And no talking to myself could convince me otherwise. I used to be a natural tree climber, up until I started having kids and felt like I needed to keep myself alive for their sake. Hopefully one day I can slowly get myself to the point where I can be comfortable with climbing up to my own height.

Well, my time is up, kids are making sure to let me know that they can't live without me about every 30 seconds...

Celebrating {part 1}

She is two now. For the first time since becoming parents we have a 2 year old and no new babies in sight, so we can fully appreciate and notice this age. She is a handful, always wanting to do everything herself, and I mean EVERYTHING. She is quite independent, that one. Which often results in tears. Either our tears of joy and frustration, or hers, because she can't manage to do her own carseat buckles, and we are not willing to wait for another 10 minutes in a hot car. She's also our earliest child to potty learn. Comes with being independent, I guess. Oh, and having 3 older siblings definitely shows. She can stand up for herself and knows how to get what she wants. She loves books, just like her sisters and brother, and often brings the same 10-book stack to you whenever you try to sit down on the couch and relax. She is fun, charming, bossy, rough, bunny-loving 2 year old now. And Joy is her middle name.

(our last minute unofficial birthday celebration at the park. Ivy is a total puppy-hog)