Where I've Been

I've been one of the head counselors at Camp Cousins...

and I'm happy and exhausted.

This crew flew in from CA, and has been together for 6 days now.

Keeping 7 kids ages 13, 11, 9, 7, 6, 6, and 3 busy and fed has been a challenge.

Thank goodness I've had Mark and my brother here to be counselors too.

Before that we had my sister and her family here for a week.

Her little boy just turned 2.

Such a fun stage to watch.

And so grateful that I'm the aunt.

My dad and his friend were here too.

He brought his 90 pound mutt.

She bought a 2 pound puppy while here.

Add our two dogs...

and

It's been a little bit of a zoo around here,

but I'm so grateful to have them all here,

and get to be aunt for a little bit.

I'm also happy that these cousins know each other so well,

with miles and miles separating them.

The silly band craze is still alive here in IL,

and has helped me maintain my sanity.

Add one of these,

to a ball jar, and everyone has their own glass.

Rinse them out,

and store in a basket by the sink.

With heat indexes in the upper 90's, it's been really helpful.

And if you want to save it for later...

add a lid!

Back to the crew.

Two more days and I'll have an empty nest for 6 1/2 hours a day.

What should I do?!

The list of options and opportunities is growing each and every day.

-julie