Camp Sherman Trip 2016

Audrey and Kate traveled to Camp Sherman this week for the annual Gutzler family gathering. A move to a different cabin this trip was a source of some concern for them at first, but was quickly forgotten once settling in and meeting up with cousins Lily, Cora, Liam, Elsa, and Wyatt. The group did not venture too far afield from Lake Creek Lodge (save for a shopping trip for Audrey into Sisters with Mama, GG, and Morgan). They were content to stuff themselves with lots of yummy food and sugary drinks supplied by great-uncle Mark and Sharon (margarita mix--sans tequila--proving a surprise hit), dress up in superhero garb supplied by Sharon, play in the pool, walk to the Camp Sherman store, and pose for lots of photos. New activities tried out this year were catching crawdads and baby fish in the creek to be "pets,"roasting marshmallows for s'mores in a new fire pit, a short creek walk, studying amphibian life along the fishing pond at dusk, and the kids getting some limited freedom to wander the resort on their own. (More Camp Sherman photos here.)

Making the case for a kitty

Audrey and Kate are lobbying to get a cat; two, actually. Kate took to the laptop this evening to articulate her case. Her note reads: "I need a cat, Mom. I will feed it. Please. I will scoop up the poop. Please. I do not need your help. I will care [for it]. Please. I will make [my] bed by myself. Please. Write back. From Kate."

RIP Raspberry

Just a little over two months after Kate's fish died, today Audrey's betta fish Raspberry also died. Audrey, Kate, cousin Lily, and their friend Olivia held a little backyard burial service for her this evening.

RIP Snowflake

The kids got a little lesson in the circle of life yesterday. Kate's betta fish, Snowflake, died unexpectedly, after we had her for only about four month. Kate and Audrey and their friend and neighbor Olivia held a small burial service today to honor Snowflake's short life.