Full house

Both girls are finally back home. From all accounts, it sounds like both of them had wonderful weeks at their respective camps. 

 

My girl Amalia landing at SJC with Grandma Carol.

The next morning, we went to pick Lily up at her camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. These are some pictures she took during the week.

 Her Fern cabinmates and junior counselor, Ali.

 With her cabin counselor, Katie.

 The view from her cabin.

 And here are some pictures we took on closing day. This is the walk into camp.

 

 This is what we saw as we approached Lily's group. I don't think she had a good time at all.

I don't know how we did it, but we lucked into a fantastic camp with wonderful spirit and traditions. Lily immediately said she didn't want to leave and later asked if she can stay for a two-week session next year.

Cabin introductions at the closing ceremonies. 

Interestingly, as we were watching, Amalia leaned over to me and asked why there weren't any brown people. True enough, it's not the most diverse of camps--or at least not the same kind of diversity as she's used to in D.C.

The daughter of the camp founders. The camp, started in 1946, is still run by the family.

 Lily showing us her horseback riding skills--by far her favorite activity at camp.

 

Amalia got a bit jealous and was having a hard time watching Lily ride. I'm trying to pick the sticks out of her blanket, which she had thrown down on the ground.

 

 Happy girl.

 As I told Amy, we may be in trouble.

 And then to archery.

 Katniss apprentice.

 Junior ropes.

 The zipline.

 Riflery. This was very much NOT her favorite thing.

 A giant hammock/spider web thing in the woods.

After we left camp, we headed over to Seacliff State Beach in Aptos for a leisurely afternoon. 

 At the end of the pier was a concrete ship, which has a fascinating story.

Tomorrow: First day at our new school. Kindergarten and 3rd grade, here we come!