The week before dipnetting is ALWAYS frantic...but this was a bit more than normal. We have reached the spot where we no longer have a gang at home helping to prep. Both girls were busy with work and such...if it weren't for Cory and Arielle's and Jamin's help the past few days, I'm not sure we would have made it. BUT, we made it.
Alex showed up at 1000 to be briefed for staying with GG at the house.
CoRielle showed up shortly afterwards and Arielle, Benny, Danny, Ellie and Stacia headed down the road. Cory headed off.
We checked RV systems - Allie was willing albeit a bit apprehensive to assist Michael.
Ten minutes after Cory left, we pulled out of the driveway...we were the FIRST ones to arrive. ::snort:: We did not speed. We simply didn't make any stops. Before we knew it the three of us were backing into our site.
The next hour was filled with setting up. We had the RV situated before anyone arrived. Cory and Arielle both showed up. We set up two shade covers and our 3-room tent. We had planned to have two tents - our site is plenty big. They wanted $75 per tent, per night. I knew we could put the 3 room tent up and it would count as one as we've done that the past five years. We put up the 3 room tent and put the two tents inside of it...which gives them extra protection for the forecasted rain...and saves $225.
Josiah's presence is felt everywhere! As we set up the tent, we remembered his help in year's past. We remembered his claim that we needed TWO shade shelters - one for gear and one over the table. It rained this evening and I was so glad we have two shelters.
This one had a broken pole which Michael fixed before putting it up. My man is handy to have around. The girls put up the big tent!
Oops! I guess the rain shield IS important if we want to be ADDED protection to the tents inside.
Various ones of us had tears at various times....sitting at the table, glancing at the tent and not seeing Josiah sitting outside of the tent in his chair was one of those times for me.
I started a tradition of getting a little toy/gift for each child for each day of dip netting. The days are long and it helps to break them up. I pulled out bubbles for the boys tonight.
"Magic Wands."
Never a good sign - but these guys are HANDY! Have I said that before?
CoRielle rented a cabin this year. It will be much easier than the tent with the ages of their kids...and they have a BATHROOM and a stove...and a SHOWER they won't have to wait in like for an hour to use! They also have a porch/balconty which goes all the way around their cabin. This evening Jenni, Stacia and Allie and I went over and sat on the balcony with Arielle - and had our hot drinks. Priceless.
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| Arielle and I |
We decided we had pushed enough and would not go down to the beach tonight. We will go down tomorrow. Cory (with a bit of Michael's help) got all the gear ready and loaded into the truck. Everything is loaded and ready for a 7:30 start tomorrow morning.
CoRielle provided dinner tonight. Pulled pork sandwiches, chips, coleslaw and Keebler cookies.
Danny helped Cory replace a tire on the wagon.
I heard singing, "Over the mountains and through the woods to Bachan's site we go!" and out popped Benny.
KrUke arrived and agreed to the plan of putting their tent in the big tent. We hoped Jenni's tent would fit. I remembered it being a hiking tent and thought it would be fine.
The boys were excited to help Jenni put her tent up in the other 1/3 of the big tent. Pretty soon we heard an excited exclamation, "It's LEETLE!"
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| Charles, Danny & Jenni |
It's Thursday night and that means knitting with Jenni. LOL She tried out her train project and decided it is going to work well.
Arielle came back to join us around the fire after Cory and the kids were in bed. Michael had foraged for wood for us...and it was a very nice fire - though it was about done before I thought to take a photo.
Bunnies at 11:05 p.m.
This year's site....
GRACE NOTES
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