Another Ethan first: He started a campfire.

Simply practicing with the hatchet and saw might have been entertainment enough for his first camping trip, but Ethan really lit up when he piled up and ignited some paper, kindling, and logs, to start our dinner fire.

Beating the odds together

At the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, Ethan and Eliana each took a turn at spinning the wheel, with a chance to win a stuffed firedog or a temporary tattoo. Only a few firedogs had been handed out all day. They each walked away with one, a 1 in 1,369 chance.

Another Ethan first: He spent a week at camp.

It was his first ever week away. Ethan missed home but enjoyed the adventures of summer camp much more. His stories afterward matched his personality: made plenty of friends, shot well in archery, loved the water, and poured nearly all his spending money into treats.

Ironically, had I given him just three more dollars, he would have spent it all on a hydration backpack from the Trading Post instead of candy. He was delighted when I bought the practical souvenir for him anyway. Even though I can’t imagine buying that much candy for myself, a part of me is inwardly glad at the way it worked out.

An Eliana first: She vacuumed the carpet.

No prompting required – she saw the vacuum and just wanted to pitch in.

An Eliana first: She caught a fish.

Her cast wasn’t far reaching: the hook and bobber dropped straight down from the end of the rod into the pond. But the fish were hungry for that worm! There were several candidates vying for the dubious prize, of which one of the biggest proved successful – for Eliana at least.

 

Another Ethan first: He tilled the earth.

Ethan was heavy enough this year to turn over the soil in the garden, especially with the help of a good rain the day before.

Another Ethan first: He wiped out surfing.