It's only been a few weeks since I gave my youngest up for a full seven days so he could experience the faith, friendship, and fun of a Catholic sleepaway camp for the first time ever.
Now, it is time for big brother's week-long teen retreat.
Because we are used to him being away for hours at a time for work, going to friends' homes for sleepovers, etc., it was not as hard to bid adieu for a week to our eldest.
I would still love you to join me in prayer for him, though, that he may have a safe, spectacular time meeting new friends, havign seeds of fith planted, and enjoying the many camp activity offerings.
Thank you.
I also am grateful for a glorious Lord's Day spent driving our boy up to camp, participating in Mass at the beautiful chapel there, then adventuring on our way back home....
If you are ever on Route 10 in Marlow, NH, you must look for Aaron's Specialty - a roaside ice cream and more place...
Thank you.
I also am grateful for a glorious Lord's Day spent driving our boy up to camp, participating in Mass at the beautiful chapel there, then adventuring on our way back home....
If you are ever on Route 10 in Marlow, NH, you must look for Aaron's Specialty - a roaside ice cream and more place...
with cute little metal sculptures outside.
Their "small" ice creams are HUGE! And, oh so tasty.
We're talking among the best ice cream we have ever had.
It's worth doing cartwheels about. (And we here that the sunset view across the street from the ice cream place is quite lovely.)
After indulging in delectable ice cream, you can make a short hike up Pitcher Mountain to burn some of your consumed calories off and, perhaps, munch on some in-season wild blueberries...
...while marveling at the lush woodlands on the short climb to the peak.
Some days, the panoramic views atop the mountain are spectacular, with Mt. Monadnock and Mt. Sunapee visible. Other days - like the day we dropped our eldest at camp and then went a-wandering - it's just mist in the clouds...
...a jaunt up the fire tower steps...
We're talking among the best ice cream we have ever had.
It's worth doing cartwheels about. (And we here that the sunset view across the street from the ice cream place is quite lovely.)
After indulging in delectable ice cream, you can make a short hike up Pitcher Mountain to burn some of your consumed calories off and, perhaps, munch on some in-season wild blueberries...
Some days, the panoramic views atop the mountain are spectacular, with Mt. Monadnock and Mt. Sunapee visible. Other days - like the day we dropped our eldest at camp and then went a-wandering - it's just mist in the clouds...
...a jaunt up the fire tower steps...
...a wave to the world...
...then, meandering down enchanted paths...
... and stopping to view windswept meadows.
Not too far down the road in Gilsum, a random stretch of the legs near an old stone bridge offers a rustic little place to sit for a moment.
Not too far down the road in Gilsum, a random stretch of the legs near an old stone bridge offers a rustic little place to sit for a moment.
Then, aways away (but headed back toward home for us), over the border in Royalston, MA, a rooadside trail offers an easy walk to Doane's Falls where you can climb boulders...
... and there are several views of powerful cascades.
We are surely missing for and praying for our eldest son tonight.
We are also grateful for another Lord's Day spent focused on faith, family, and adventuring - a day that wiped our youngest out and has us all edreaming of what more of God's grandeur we can explore when we return to New Hampshire to pick up our eldest.
Prasie be to God for his goodness and artistry!
