Our magic place. So many stories. The beach we camp at was less than 15 minutes from the New York home that is now history. But it won’t stop us from camping there. So many happy memories.
As the housing deals were closing on the family homestead, and as we said our final goodbyes to the life we had known, we were gifted with incredible sunsets, times with good friends (my college roommate and her husband), and blessed with seeing the joy of fun we shared with our sons continue on to the next gen.
We all worked HARD — pushing mental, physical and relational boundaries to clear the homefront for the next steps of reality in different locations. It was stressful. But throw in some beautiful sunsets, time with good friends and family, and a few frogs and somehow it’s all okay.
Flashback — We didn’t have a lot of $ as the kids were growing up, but we budgeted a certain amount to pay per frog they found was we were camping. Truth be told — it kept the kids entertained while we parents got to sit back and relax as we watched them hunt. Money well spent. But one year was a veeerrrry good year for the frogs and bad for us. They were so prolific, our budget was pretty much spent on the first day.
Our kids were good sports, though. We explained the budget limitations, and they still hunted with gusto. I have always appreciated that moment.
This year we got that absolute last opening in the campground, which of course means were were in the “You’ll be flooded; you’ll be mudded” zone. Fair. Not ideal. But cheaper than a hotel (still budget conscious). Fun fact. It was a great spot. Deemed by all the local kid campers who asked if they could venture into our territory (OF COURSE!!!!!). We had the best frog spot in the entire campgrounds. Not only did it bring back happy memories, but our grands got to enjoy it as well.
They visited with us, along with their amazing friend, Keeton, who is just one of those magical people that we get gifted with in life. Intelligent conversation and pure gold heart. What a blessing for all in his path.
Who could ask for a happier end to our official time as NY state dwellers?
4 responses to “Camping”
Saying goodbye to the homestead was serious, but you brought joy to the occasion. What a marvelous outlook! I’m so glad the grands were able to share this marker in the family history.
It was a great way to close out that chapter.
Well done, everyone! What a chore, what an accomplishment, what a memorable moment and meaningful event. Phew! Your attitude and view of the future is a shining light, leading you all forward.
Cheers all around!
Love that. Thanks, Jen.