Summer Camp - Pick up!

Luca and I had did some fun things while Mia was away.  We went to Elitches, Boondocks and Jumpstreet, but he still missed his sister.  We were excited when a week rolled around and we could go pick her up!

The camp is so so beautiful.  It wasn't a blue bird day when we picked her up but you can see how gorgeous it is.  

Mia showed us all around and Luca loved having her back!

Mia and Evan

The cabin had a small ceremony recognizing each camper for various character qualities.  They chose the words "insightful" and "boundless" for Mia.  They said she is wise beyond her years, and is boundless because she can conquer anything.  I got teary as they read their thoughts about her because I saw my girl, looking so grown up, hearing these amazing things about her character and really understanding that she is in charge of those qualities.  

Shadow Mountain Cabin

The girls hiked that peak in the background of the photo.  "Code" hike.  It's a 5 mile loop, rocky and difficult, but their counselors said they nailed it!  

The chapel on the campgrounds.  There are a lot of magical little nooks throughout the camp that made me smile.  Behind this chapel is a little "barn" with two goats - Biscuits and Gravy.  

So happy to welcome her home!!

After dinner, we went over to the pool for a regular ol' late night swim.  Now it's back to resuming our summer routine.  

Summer Camp - Part 2

Now, most summer camps post photos on Facebook, which is a blessing and a curse.  I think the definition of absurdity is pouring over hundreds of photos looking for a glimpse of your child, and using that glimpse to determine their happiness.  But, alas, I did just that.  Mia is so happy in each picture so it didn't take much guess work for me to figure out that she indeed was loving camp.  There were a few days where she didn't appear in any photos and I had to practice old school patience and acceptance on those days. These are a few of the photos that appeared online. 

Summer Camp - Drop Off

Mia went to camp this summer for the first time!  We sure missed her but she had the time of her life! We all dropped her off and we fell in love with the location and the staff.  We knew leaving her that we were leaving her in great hands.

Mia decorated her trunk and taped her favorite photos to the inside.  

When you arrive at the camp, they make a huge deal of your arrival and announce you in to all of the cheering counselors.  Mia and her friend Kylie walked in together.  

Shadow Mountain Cabin!

That counselor is dressed as corn.  The theme for this week of camp was "Battle of the Crops". 

She's back in the saddle!!

Mia is thrilled to be back in the saddle!  After several years of begging, she's back to her beloved riding.  We are riding at the stable Hadley rode and Mia is over the moon.  

This is called a two point trot.  Don't let the notion that a rider is sitting fool you into thinking this isn't a HARD sport.  That's all leg and inner thigh holding a rider up.  The next exercise was to take the feet out of the stirrups and maintain the same position.  

These two are standing in front of giant fan.  On a 95 degree day, even a shady indoor arena is HOT.  Despite sweating and working hard, Mia was BEAMING.  

Summer Time

 Nana took all of the Denver grandkids to the movies one afternoon.  Recliner seats.  Popcorn.  Soda.  The works!

Mia also plays on a tennis league and these are two of her friends who play as well.  Proud of them!

Mia has matches on Monday mornings and V took some time from work to come watch her.  She had a great match and was thrilled dad could see her!

 The girls run the matches themselves so we parents watch from outside the courts.  These are the best shots I could get!  Mia has a great serve!

We don't have a ton of opportunities to be on the water in Colorado so we try to create them when we can.  We have a fun reservoir not to far the kids like to either paddle board or canoe.  

 One bored afternoon led to Mia making her own homemade pizza dough and mini pizzas!  Don't rush in to try to rescue kids from boredom too quickly.  It could work out in lunch being served for everyone.

The kids often come with me on my runs....either running or biking with me.  

 We played at the park the night of the summer solstice and it felt special.  This photo was taken as the sun set, after 8:30 some time.  We'll miss these nights when we're all inside at 4:30.

Mia got a phone!!  This sweet picture is of a text exchange between us.  We have rules around the phone's usage but honestly, we didn't even need to state them.  She rarely uses it as it sits on the kitchen counter.  I know as she gets older, the phone will become more important to her, but for now, it isn't.  

Summer is always fun because we all have more TIME.  Meg was in town for a visit!

V and I took the kids to Niwot to have dinner with the Classens too.  Yay for lazy days and carefree nights!

Homestead Hurricanes

Mia has been on the swim team since Kindergarten and this year marked her sixth year, and sixth year to make it to finals!  Staying with tradition, the coaches tape signs on the doors of the finalists the night before the huge RMSL swim final meet to pump them up.  They take a bus together down to the meet and cheer each other on.  Homestead won the RMSL title again this year and it's easy to see why this team dominates.  Not only is there amazing talent, but there is a real commitment to community and to one another.  I can't explain how much she loves the swimming, and how much she loves this team.  

 Coach Alex!

One of Mia's dear buddies who swims as well.