Purple People

The camp saga is going to unfold over several posts...there's just so MUCH to share, and I've really picked through the photos to just give the flavor of our amazingly wonderful camp adventure.

Being at the farm, of course the horses were a major part of each day. The 11 punks all rode, some with help, others "graduating" off the lead line. As Churchill said, "The outside of a horse is good for a man." Or child.

Leo helped give back confidence to Kayla, who had been severely injured a year ago in a horse riding accident. By the end of her session, she was riding on her own again. Horses are wonderful therapists!

Little Maddy re-christened the horses: they are now "Lilo" (Leo) and "Cow" (Nebby). You musn't mind, Nebby - the sheep are also "cow".

And what were the moms doing, with all the activity swirling around them? The idea was to turn the punks loose, throw some food at them as needed, and RELAX for a couple of days...and that's pretty much what happened.

Tammy was captured in this shot by Than (he's getting good with the camera), as she strolled out to see what the rest of the gang was up to. Maddy was in "Kling-on" mode...

(note: we had two "Maddy's" at camp - Madison, and little Madelayne.)The tie-dye project that Tammy did with the punks was wildly successful (more on that next post). Then she went the extra mile and sewed hems on the scarves which had unexpectedly become THE camp item to have. As she was sewing in marvelous seclusion in the cabin upstairs "art room", she was heard to comment that was her idea of heaven - a sewing machine in a quiet room without Maddy at her knee "helping"...
The campfire was kept burning all day long, the natural gathering and relaxation hub. The moms were never far from those comfy chairs...

Although a bit hard to see, Lynn is spinning yarn on a drop spindle. She was gifted with a fleece from our neighbor's sheep, after a fun visit at the sheep farm. You just never know where your adventures will take you, during camp!

The UPS man even came to camp. OK, he was delivering. But we did offer him a hotdog...

Carrie immediately opened the package containing one of this year's homeschooling projects - learning Spanish. This was the Rosetta Stone program. Moms may be hanging out at camp, but school is never closed with homeschoolers...the teaching/learning never stops.

Since I've loaded the photos sort of end-to-beginning, here's the end. The last moments of Camp Purple (yes, I'll be explaining that title...) came suddenly, or so it seemed. There were hugs all around, lots of "Do we HAVE to go home??"

Plans were already in the works for another Camp Purple in September, which made it a little easier to see the families load up and head down the driveway.

Thank goodness for cameras...we made wonderful memories, and have the photos to help retell all the stories and adventures.

From youngest...

..to oldest...

camping out together was the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer. The whole camp experience is reflected in this impromptu portrait of Purple Punks in the beloved climbing tree.

And as always with a leave-taking, something gets left behind.

It is said, leaving something behind when you visit somewhere, is your subconscience working to make sure you come back.

Anytime, Purple People, anytime.