We went on a Campfire weekend at Camp Sealth. Although it's been in the 80s this week, the weather turned a bit chilly on Saturday. The ferry ride over was still exciting, especially since Cheyenne and Lane are with us now! They got in on the 2nd and are staying with us for the summer. Cindy asked them to make a list of things they wanted to do. Lucky for us, camping made the Top 10 (as we had already made these plans)!

We knew a couple of the families, but there was a flock of about five second-grade girls we'd never met. In a quick bout of girl-drama, Kenzie went into one of the cabins that had about 8 beds, the girls (who all knew each other) came running in and (presumably) one of them told her to get out of their cabin. Kenzie's feelings were hurt. When the camp-wide dance competition was announced with one of the (heretofore "mean") second-graders leading choreography, Kenzie rebuked my suggestion that she join. She looked me square in the eye and said, "NO!! Mom. I'm NOT doing it."

The four kids that we brought hung out, a little bit on the peripheral as they surveyed everything. Mason, of course, quickly adjusted and figured out that he had an unusually long leash. The camp was amazing with 1-1/2 miles of waterfront and lots to do. Everyone settled in quickly. We walked to the beach, found the aquatic tide pools and then the canoes. With only four passengers per boat, Cheyenne and I opted out so that Cindy, Lane, Kenzie and Mason could float around for a while. It was a definite highlight.

The tide pools were cool too. Lots of creatures that are slimy and touchable, Kenzie's favorite.

And, while on the beach I happened to run into the mother of the second-grade dance leader. (Please don't accuse me of meddling, it was in Kenzie's best interest.) The mom quickly offered to have her daughter ask Kenzie to be in the dance competition. Perhaps I suggested that if there was an urgent need for a perfect cartwheel it might help. Five minutes later, Kenzie, with a big smile on her face asked, "Mom, can I please be in the dance competition???" I resisted the urge to hammer home the point and just said "yes." Quickly she had five new best friends. They turned on the music and started rehearsal. Soon Kenzie was invited into their cabin to "sleep" for the night. Luckily Cindy and I had staked claim to cots in another room!

The theme of the dance was "80s-retro" so they donned the skinny belts and bangles, and practiced their routine to "We Got the Beat." (Sorry, no video...talk to Cindy about finding the battery charger for the camera.) Kenzie did her now-famous cartwheel and they won (based on audience volume...hmmm). They were so proud.

It was very cute. It's possible that we're biased because we thought the rest of the dances were lame. :)

Here they are in their routine:

And then winning the golden award:

Mason was just happy because there was good food and lots of sugar all weekend long. That, plus a couple of rough-and-tumble boys, some games with balls, a big field, and open water...what more could he want? We only had one Amber-Mason Alert. Cindy and I set off in different directions, eventually combing the beach from different angles. We scoured the grasses, the cabins, even sent Lane on a hike. After at least 15 minutes of my pulse racing, he came sauntering out of the bathroom.