We took advantage of a slow time at the arcade for a one-on-one round of laser tag. I had the edge on long distance hits, but Ethan managed to get in plenty of his own. When he did, he was tenacious, sticking right on me, ready the instant my equipment reactivated to rack up another hit. As laser tag goes, it was quite a battle. When it was over and the scores were announced, Ethan was thrilled to hear that youth had triumphed over experience.
Camping comes with tasty treats, including portable drinks. What better way to experience your orange juice or chocolate milk than on a midsummer’s bike ride around the campground?
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.
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.
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.
No prompting required – she saw the vacuum and just wanted to pitch in.
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.
