A Bunch of Castaways

Just when I ya thought life couldn't get any crazier, you realize God has bigger things in mind. Less than a week after we moved to D.C., we left for a week long trip to Northern Minnesota. Danny's sister, Kelly, is an area director for Young Life. This year she was also a Program Director for a month at Castaway Club, one of their camps. Danny had been given the opportunity to be camp physician for a week while Kelly was up there. We jumped at the chance, since for years we had wanted to learn more about this ministry and get involved. So we loaded on a plane with our carseats and kids and carry-ons. 

Do I look like I have been up all night for four weeks?

Not so sure how that toe snuck over. And yes, that is blue nail polish.

We flew to Minneapolis, rented a "car," and drove four and a half more hours to the camp. (Side note: while it took us 45 minutes to figure out how to fit our kids and luggage into this subcompact, and we realized half way up to camp that there would be a much better way of doing this, it only took 7--SEVEN--gallons of gas to drive us 4.5 hours with the air conditioning going 100% of the time. That is impressive.)


We settled in for a week away from boxes to play in by the lake, go to Club with the campers and make sure everyone was safe and well cared-for. Danny was finally getting to enjoy the perks of the 9 years of post-grad education he had endured: keys to a golf cart and his very own walkie-talkie! And the responsibility of keeping 400 campers plus staff alive. We were all a little worried that Danny would try to check a kid's prostate, but he did a great job assessing whiplash from tubing, bandaging blisters and passing out cough drops.

Here are some of our finer moments.

Getting MR (and Mommy) to sleep!

Shouldn't someone teach that kid not to run with a loaded gun?

 

THIS is how a real man washes windows. He washed every one. Every day. 

Aunt Kelly doing her thing. There are only a few moments that fill me with more pride that this is my sister(-in-law).

Nathan wanted to get in on the games. I wish you could see his face when Daddy grabbed him.

Poor kid! And where is his Mother?! Poor Daddy had to run with BOTH kids.

oh, the possibilities!

Nap Time!

Loving our golf cart!

Nathan could have played in God's Sandbox all day. We literally stopped there before and after each meal.

This pretty much sums up my life in a photograph.

Danny doing the zip line.

Nathan getting excited for a boat ride with Daddy.

We knew he'd love it.

Just like his Daddy.

Mimicking some of the dance moves done by the entertainers. You can see the full video clip here.

There is no better place to nap than in the sand.

Nathan's first All-By-Himself Sand Castle. So proud!

With Aunt Kelly and "Crayon." Not sure how he got this name, but at least he wasn't Christmas Man or White Boy. Kelly really lucked out that she was just Aunt Kelly.

Yup. We did it. Danny and I went parasailing. It was terrifying.

We went to Mall of America before flying home. Nathan rode the Big Rigs and the Log Chute. For obvious reasons, I had to buy the picture.

It was a wonderful time together as a family, away from the craziness of moving and such. And we were so impressed by Young Life--the leaders, the philosophy,and their commitment to kids and Christ. We could see why so many campers find Young Life Camp to be the best week of their life! If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, click here.