The last Grandma Camp of the summer has wrapped up, here are some pictures! This was the Board Game camp.
Grandma Salisbury is writing out stories from the Grandma Camp experience about each of the grandkids. She wrote out two stories about Nico and here they are:
Story#1
This past week at “Camp” we found ourselves talking about the saving grace of God. As we sat around the picnic table, our 7 grandchildren (ages 5-13) asked questions. In the midst of a rather deep conversation about Christ our youngest grandchild came to me and whispered he had something to say to me. For a slight moment I was worried that his insistence on talking to me would disrupt the movement of the dialogue that had found its way to our table. I bent down and he whispered in my ear that he wanted to say something to the group. I saw the look in his eyes and knew it was important to him that he address his cousins. So I quieted the group and announced that Nico wanted to speak. The kids all stopped in great respect and Nico began his speech which went something like this: “They made a crown with stickers coming out and put it on his head and it hurt him, then they nailed his hands to the cross right here (he pointed to his wrists), and then he died. Do you know why he died?” Nico gave a pause and looked around the table. Then he proceeded to say, “He died for our sins!” Wow… there was silence around the table for a moment. This was followed by discussion on Christ’s death and how he saved us all. It was a blessed moment indeed to watch this child deliver a powerful message in a very matter of fact, influential way.
Story#2 - Private Talk
With so many different personalities you can expect some difference of opinions circulating playtime and conversations. Most of the time the kids were able to use their social skills and compromise. The younger ones though needed some help and guidance at times and so they would come to me and ask, "Grandma, can I have a private talk with you?" I would always respond with "Of, course!" So we would head into my bedroom where at the foot of our bed sat my cedar chest. We would take a seat on the chest and I would ask them what they had on their mind. It mostly consisted of their feelings being hurt or something they did they wished they hadn't or wanting to do something I had previously said no to and them wanting to practice their negotiating skills to convince me otherwise. (They are good negotiators and made a good argument and many times I gave in!!) The "Private Talks" mostly were the two younger girls who were between the "life revolves around me" stage and the "you mean theirs more than me on this earth" stage. It became a popular theme during camp and the youngest camper, our grandson Nico, was observing these girls going in and out of my room for these talks. With his curiosity rising, he wanted to find out what the hype was in these talks so he pulled me aside, whispered in my ear and said, "Grandma can I have a private talk?" I was a bit surprised and probably just as curious why he wanted this talk with me as he was. So in we went to the room. He looked a little confused because he wasn't sure of the routine. I motioned for us to take a seat at the cedar chest and we sat down. I paused a moment and then asked him what was on his mind. He looked a bit puzzled for a moment and then realized he had my full attention and he could talk about anything. He took a deep breath and began. "Grandma, I think you should go in the kitchen and take the sprayer and spray Kai and Bruce with water!" I looked at him and said, "Okay, let's do it!" Nico jumps up with great excitement and runs into the kitchen where Bruce and Kai were sitting. He took a position away from the line of fire. I went to the sink, turned on the water, lifted the sprayer and gave a quick squirt in the direction of the boys which caused a leaping action as they sprinted out of the room. Nico was laughing hysterically and very proud of himself. Later that afternoon, unbeknownst to me, Nico had a "private talk" with Kai. The outcome of that talk was a thorough drenching from Kai to me. I think I need to have a private talk with Nico!!!
Monday we had another playdate with the whole crew, we went to Quarry View Park. Behind the tennis courts there are a few apple trees that we took some apples from. We figured they weren't sprayed because most of them had worms! Chomp chomp
The rest of the week has been outdoor play time with Evelyn and Aadam & Sam. School starts in two short weeks! Are we all ready??
Yesterday was Grandpa Russell's birthday - Happy Birthday Grandpa Russell!
Now some videos... still working on the birthday video!! But here are two from Grandma Camp!
Nico showing his dance moves as part of a board game
Papa came home late Friday night, so while Guy hung out with the older kids at the cabin playing Minecraft, Grandma Salisbury took the younger kids with her to welcome Papa off the plane. Here's the video!
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