Cub Scout Camp...Take Two

Oh the Joy!

Take two, because that is how many Matt got to take this year. Jacob has finally made it! This year has been  strongly anticipated for several years now. Jacob has begged and begged to be big enough to go to summer camp and be big enough to be a cub scout like his brothers.
The smile on his face through the truck window was just so cute as they drove away to begin a new adventure and new chapter in his life.

I have to point out the style this guys has...not many people can pull off an outfit like this one. Plaid pants and a uniform shirt...classic.

Our Chief Safety Officer
making sure things are
done right

Noah is a veteran this year beginning his first year as a Webelos I. This year begins his journey as a transitional scout learning to become a Boy Scout and become more independent. He has grown so much this year. He now has his whittling chip and uses a knife correctly and safely, and is beginning to show some leadership skills...and proudly I have to share how well he did this morning. He escorted a fellow scout up the isle in Church as part of the observance of Memorial Day and led the Pledge of Allegiance in a packed mass; he did a wonderful job and was loud enough to be heard without a microphone.

Did I mention that TWO of my children are going to Cub Scout Camp!!! I may actually be able to get some things done around the house...but I think that the quiet that will happen will be eerie...because it has only been an hour and it is very quiet here...

Camping with the family

We went camping this weekend...all of us. What began as an impromptu Cub Scout overnight trip turned into the first outing for the Zerangue Clan as a whole.

 It has been a very long time since this has happened, well actually, it has never happened since we have had baby number five...and the thought of going with all of our kids did make me a little nervous, but it was only an overnight trip very close to home and we need to start somewhere, right?

It was a nice trip, but you can't imagine how much gear and stuff has to be brought just for an overnight trip when little kids are involved we packed the back of our van and the back of the truck, even so, it ended up being fun and we will do it again soon, but for a while we will be taking short trips close to home, just in case...

I'd say that overall the trip was a success. No one fell in the fire, no one got lost on the hike and we came home with everyone safe and sound.
 There were a few technical difficulties...most of it having to do with huge amounts of rain during the early morning hours It wet most of our gear, our firewood, and our tents. This changed our breakfast plans from eggs, and bacon, to bagels and cream cheese and doughnuts, thank goodness thinking of a backup for breakfast, and for the camp stove we were still able to make coffee and hot chocolate on a cold, wet, morning even without the ability to make a fire. The inclement weather almost canceled the rest of our day that included a hike, but instead only delayed it a bit.
As we debated on what to do-continue wit our plans, or pack up and call it done the weather began to get brighter and warmer, we gathered up our gear and our nerve and continued with our plans and drove to our  hiking trail and had a lovely walk through the woods and got to study a few plants and learn a little about the forest structure in our area.

 At the end of our trip Jacob starts yelling, "An eagle! I see an eagle!" And I'm thinking oh, yeah, okay...we all start looking up and sure enough, there is a huge nest up in a tree and some shadowy figures...the male Bald eagle steps out on a limb to say hello.

The Greatest Vacation Bible School Ever!

This was a great week. Nathan got to enjoy being at a Bible School Day Camp that helps children learn to trust themselves, others, and God. They were given the opportunity to ride horses, swim in the lake and creek, play in the woods, climb towers, use various zip lines, and swings and ropes hanging in the trees. They were encouraged to safely explore situations that could be frightening and grow in faith and trust.