Camp season continues! Mid-June brought what has become our annual group camp trip to Bainbridge Island; all of us had a grand time spreading out on the lawn here last summer and felt we were due for a reunion. We trickled into the site on a sunny Friday afternoon and made ourselves at home, cracking open cold beers while setting up our tents and watercraft.
There was such a happy, chill-but-active vibe around the site – seemed a ball was always being tossed around, seemed there were always a handful of people kicking back near the fire pit.
Also, seemed like Jack was always grilling up meat of some sort…
Note: pack extra, extra wet wipes when camping with kids! Another note: the super-sized marshmallows I picked up at the store are too much mallow.
We were one of the last families to emerge from our tent on Saturday, reluctant to leave our cozy nest.
But once we unzipped our front door, Jules was off, eager to play with her best bud.
We walked down to the beach after breakfast to toss the ball around, catch some rays, and squish sand between our toes.
Felt so good.
We capitalized on the super-windy conditions and pulled out our kite for awhile.
Then, took refuge in the fort.
Golly, I adore this kid.
While the kids lunched…
La Verne, Nance and I got out for a paddle. The water was crazy-choppy, so I never made it into the full standing position on the paddleboard, but a good time was had by all. Despite our wet butts!
The grown-ups happy-houred before dinner and Baby J took a snooze. The kiddos played hard all weekend and this girl was feelin’ it!
I’m all for a creative s’more, pro-potato chip or peanut butter cup between the graham crackers, but when J started mixing in barbecue chicken, I tapped out.
Juliette and Shane hit the hay a little early on Saturday night, which left me free to walk down to the water for my beloved solo sunset stroll. The sky was…wow.
…And, happy Sunday morning! Don’t mind if I do, Jack!
We sipped mimosas and ate Jack’s famous chilaquiles and the kids gathered around Father Goose for a story and a good laugh.
We went down to the beach one last time before heading out, to get a little more sun and search for crabs.
It was Father’s Day, and as I watched these papas hang with their kiddos on the beach, I was struck by how uniquely wonderful each of them is at loving their kids.
My numero unos…
We made a quick stop in Winslow for lavender lemonade from Blackbird Bakery and then hopped in line for the ferry back to Seattle, a little grubby and a lot happy. Emily is already talking about next year’s Bainbridge getaway. COUNT US IN.
