Carter Cousin Camp - Day 5

Well I can't say I was around much of the day as work obligations prevailed over playing. From the looks of things Carter has been in the same outfit since yesterday morning, including sleeping. ooppss.. I promise he will be showered and clean upon drop off tomorrow at noon!

Last nights episode of Oreos and Nutter Butter almost proved to be a disaster. I am not kidding when I say those two downed 3/4 the bag of Oreos in 10 minutes! Before I knew what happened, Carter was gagging as he came running into my office, convinced he was going to throw up! Within 15 minutes the impact of the Oreos consumed pasted and the sugar rush was in FULL swing!

Madison taught Carter 'text language' all day. So last night during Mario Cart coupled with 3/4 bag of Oreos, can you say 'fast forward'? ttyl, lol, omg, etc

So tonight the volcanoes erupted!

The classic line of the day was after unpacking a product order and with packing peanuts in plenty, Carter and Madison decided to 'pull a fast one on Milo'. Luring him over to the front door suddenly from up above came a shower of packing peanuts!

Carter was laughing so hard. "This was the BEST thing about Cousin Camp."

So forget the worms, virtual vomit, pseudo snot, Imaginrium, volcanoes, treasure hunting, and endless games of Mario Cart, give them a box some packing peanuts and that is the highlight of the week!

And so that nearly wraps up Round 2 of Cousin Camp. We are still waiting on confirmation from Cousins Jordan and Olivia for their arrival date and time in the next few weeks. Looks like Cousin Eric however will be having an extended one month stay at Cousin Camp, while he waits to move into his apartment and start his new job on July 20th.

While Uncle Milo has driving duties tomorrow, Aunt Jill needs to catch up on some work and do a MAJOR office reorganization!

For a complete pictorial recap of this week, please visit my facebook page.

So until next year.....BCFL (Best Cousins for Life)

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 4

And so the story continues.

Cousin Camp Day 4

The crew slept in while Milo and Jill headed off to work today. It appeared for the 6 hours I was absent that mac and cheese got made and eaten, a trip to Road Ranger for slushies, stories of a 'serial killer' were told (watch out Cheerios, your demise is close at hand..according to Carter), and endless and I do mean endless games of Mario Party 8 were played!

They have now officially titled themselves Toad and Toadette, aka....brother and sister.

So once I arrived home it was time to get these video game junkies out for some FRESH air. I think their brains needed it!

We ventured for our FIRST of many geocaching experiences! HOW FUN!

One of my customers clued me into geocaching and I think I might be addicted! All over the world are 'buried treasures' just waiting to be discovered and logged!

So despite some bumps with figuring the GPS navigation coordinates, we ventured off with only our map and a few clues on hand.

Our first discovery was a SUCCESS! Inside the cache box we found some GEO coins (of which you CAN NOT remove unless you can replace them with others) and a LOG book to log WHO discovered the treasure and when.

Our second VENTURE? Well lets just say...CHALLENGING. This map and clues led us DEEP onto the trails of Beaver Park where we walked and walked and walked looking for the camouflaged ammo canister which claimed to be LOADED with loot!

We were convinced we were in the right 'neck of the woods'. But after two 'squat and pee attempts' one being an unsuccessful aim resulting in wet jeans, flip flops, and a distraught daughter. Coupled with a convinced Cousin Carter that we were lost and would NEVER find our way out we GAVE up our search and headed home for a shower and supper.

I AM however returning to Beaver Park at some point!

I believe it is most advantages when deep in the woods to have your trusty GPS system to guide you in the right direction. We were simply operating on a few clues and a perspective on our situation.

However according to our clues, a 5 year old found it!

After we cleaned up we whipped up some grilled cheese/peanut butter sandwiches along with some fruit for supper. Aunt Jill was pooped!

Sorry to say, but the video maniacs are back at it in FULL force! In fact I just got hit up to run to the Road Ranger for Oreos and Slushies...

And it looks like the 'room service' order phoned into Uncle Milo just pulling into the driveway is going to be fulfilled as I hearing flip flops and feet racing out the door.

Sugar and Video games at 9:00 PM at Cousin Camp? Does it get any better?

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 3

whew....we are closing the end of Day 3 cousin camp and with a mothers confirmation it was decided that Carter gets to extend his time a few extra days! So with a load of clothes in the washer we will be golden until Saturday.

We picked up some Magic Rocks that we plan to start growing tomorrow! AND good news. Milo's GPS started working which means we are going treasure hunting tomorrow after Aunt Jill wraps up things at work! woooo...hoooooo!

So today was a road trip to Waterloo to the Imaginarium. We all gave it a mediocre rating. The web pictures and description certainly did it MUCH more justice! Honestly there should be some regulations on that! After 'exploring' everyone was STARVING and just could not decide where to eat..so we ended up at the food court in the mall in order to please every ones taste palates. After fillin our stomaches, we wondered around, tried our luck at a few arcade games, and made a stop at Hobby Lobby before we headed back south.

A significant house pick up was in store so instead of cooking we did a quick run through McDonalds. After all Carter never did get his chicken nuggets and fries for lunch because his pick was Mickey Dees.

While in Waterloo it was decided that Kennedy became McLovin, Emily was Jamison, Carter of course, Jerry, Madison was Sherry (because they are brother/sister) and me, well .... Dakota.

So McLovin and Jamison proceeded to wondered aimlessly around Hobby Lobby crying out Jerry..... Dakota...... Sherry.........

Silly Girls.

Not too much else tonight, beside me beginning to come up with my MASTER organizational plan for this weekends, office re-org in order to absorb Milo and all HIS stuf. This week he made the decision to switch companies he is writing business under which mean he is now officially 100% working from home.

The down side...Milo is NOT a thrower and keeps every piece and scrap of paper imaginable! That WILL pose a problem in our 'shared' space.

So it sounds like all are convening in Wii land, so I best head on down to assume my #12 position.

night to all..

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 2

As I was dragging myself up the stairs last night for bed I suddenly realized that I forgot to post Cousin Camp, Day 2 (round 2). oopsss.

The day was a full day!

The night before went down in laughter after playing Blom Box on Wii. Uncle Milo cemented a catch phrase for us that Carter thought was hilarious! Between the two of them they milked that into the night and of course into the next day. 'It's gold, Jerry, gold.' Which of course became whatever word you could substitute for gold. Milo and I could hear the laughter from the basement that traveled all the way to the third floor. Madion and Carter were 'trying to go to sleep'. It was a good night as I drifted off to sleep, hoping that these moments were creating memories that would last a lifetime for 'cousins'.

Last night was no different after supper, we headed to the basement for Mario Party 8 and some more Mario Cart. Again I took responsibility for obtaining #12 in all 12 races. Me and video games just don't mix, that is when I have to run, jump, punch, or block.

So the rest of yesterday....pseudo snot (BIG hit). Another layer on volcanoes so we can paint this morning. Swim meet in which we had a heat WINNER! Congratulations Madison for winning her heat in the freestyle! Milo and I had to drive separate because Milo had an appointment at 5:00, so of course we had a Mario Cart race on the way home. Guess what? I lost! But then again, I was carrying the precious cargo. Carter was providing the play by play action and who was hitting who with mushrooms and receiving speed burst.

Supper....Ramon noodle salad with the addition of chicken, watermelon and strawberries AND the option of left over spaghetti.

So today the rain allowed us a wonderful morning to snuggle in and SLEEP! It was a slumber party in Milo and Jill's room last night in which we almost thought we had convinced Kennedy to participate.

Aunt Jill is OFF for the day to PLAY! We are taking all of our scientific knowledge gained over the last few days and road tripping to the BIG city of Waterloo to take in the Imaginarium!

Where science comes alive..Pet a 12-foot python. Fire an air cannon. Create your own laser show. Everything in a three story building to satisfy our curiosity about physical science!

I, of course will PASS on the petting of the python while maintaining a far distance!

Lunch/Supper at the Hwy 63 diner where all of the food is made from scratch! YUM!

We are also picking up Kennedy's BFF, Emily for the day because Carter is her FAVORITE cousin!

P.S. To Carter's mom....you might want to anticipate a phone call begging for a few more days at Cousin Camp. At least that was the pitch beginning last night! It is fine with us, we have nothing pressing for the next few days.

"Afterall, at the Japengas....the video games are in endless supply!"

That is until Saturday when most get returned to the video store.

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 1

We are nearing the end of Day 1 of Cousin Camp (round 2). The highlight of the DAY....Virtual VOMIT!

The morning was a bright and early one as Kennedy and Madison had swim team practice at 7:30. Even though he was offered the opportunity to sleep 'as late as he wanted' he was up with the rest of us.

After swim team, Carter was introduced to the Japenga girls 'all time favorite' breakfast of champions. Peanut Butter on toast topped with chocolate chips.

Aunt Jill headed out to get her work done by 1:30 so the rest of the afternoon we could 'PLAY'. For the sounds of things, the morning was spent riding scooters and assembling the cuddly pom pets. I think the BEST craft project to date! They are DARN cute!


Of course Carter picked the cat and guess what the name is.....BOO!

Hot dogs and chips for lunch followed by our scientific project of the day....VIRTUAL VOMIT!

SERIOUSLY it was soooo gross, my gag reflux was engaged the entire time. Applesauce, cocoa powder, peach gelatin, corn flakes and oatmeal. After an hour of continuing to smell it EVERY where I went and despite REPEATED hand washing, I came to the discovery that the hand soap I was using was PEACH scented. dahhhhhhh.....I will NEVER look at a peach the same way AGAIN!

AND of course in this afternoons round of Mario Cart, I was.... PEACH! hmmmm I am wondering if it will make it all the way back to Dell Rapids, SD safe in its zip lock baggie and still be FRESH virtual vomit. Just typing triggers acid reflux!

Another layer on our volcanoes. We hope to be painting by late tomorrow afternoon.

Speaking of tomorrow....I hope the pseudo snot is a bit more appealing than virtual vomit. The girls have a 4 hour indoor swim meet tomorrow afternoon and Madison has violin lessons.

Milo is whipping up some spaghetti for supper. I am off for some HEATED Wii action...Deal or No Deal, Mario Party 8, and Mario Cart. My goal....not to come in LAST place EVERY time.

Signing out from Cousin Camp...Day 1, round 2!

Sincerely....

Aunt PEACH...

Carter Cousin Camp - Day 0

Milo, Madison, and Carter arrived safely around 5:30 from their afternoon road trip. A last minute church commitment prevented me from road tripping today, however it gave me some extra time to set up our SCIENTIFIC laboratory for the week!

Upon arrival, hugs were shared by all, Madison and Carter headed down to rock out to some Guitar Hero. Carter's favorites are Crazy Train, Eye of the Tiger, and Beat It. Of course we can't forget about doing a tribute to Michael this week.

Once everyone got settled in our first scientific experiment of the week was under way.... the creation of ooey, gooey, worms. There were a lot of oohs and haaas.

Our second experiment was a FLOP! Sparkling wintergreen lifesavers in a dark room. One is suppose to bite done, open up, and see the sparks fly. No sparks here, however the lifesavers were a BIG HIT!

Our BIG experiment of the week is the creation of volcanos which are set to erupt on Wednesday night. It is indeed a BIG project and it will take at least a few days to complete.

The first stage is already underway. 16 oz Sunkist were required to be drank in FULL at supper along with homemade pizza and watermelon.

We have attached our empty bottles to our cardboard bases and mixed our 'eruption concoction'. We hope to mix clay later tonight in order to apply our first of three volcano building layers.

While waiting for glue to dry, Milo and Carter are playing Mario Cart.

That looks to be it for Day 0 report from Cousin Camp (round 2).

Word on the street says the creation of virtual vomit is on tap for tomorrow. eeeeewwwww

toodles.

P.S. During supper tonight it was decided that Madison and Carter planned to switch siblings. Madison of course would LOVE a younger sister and Carter (definitely an older sister like Kennedy). After all, 'She sleeps until noon, then leaves to hang out with her friends, heck I wouldn't even have to see her all day. That would be SWEET!'

Macin's Cousin Camp - Day 2

The day began with a round of chocolate chip pancakes. The emphasis being on the chocolate chips. After breakfast we started on our craft project of the day, sun catchers. Macin decided on a butterfly and flip-flips.

We had a little paint 'explosion' which was remedied with a dash to the sink, a change of clothes and a load of wash. No worries!

For the afternoon we decided to do some park hopping. After a stop at Quiznos for some lunch, we dropped by to pick up Kennedy's friend, Emily and her 6 year old brother Ashton. By the end of the day, it was being assumed that Ashton had a new girlfriend.

We headed out to Beaver Park to play in the splash pad along with tossing the Frisbee around. It was so hot that our next park hop stop was Noelridge for a few hours at the pool! Macin and Ashton had fun in the BIG sand box. While they also ventured down the pool slide over and over and over again.

All were tired and hungry by the time the pool closed. So we headed home for some shrimp salad, veggie pizza, and chocolate chip cookies! YUM!

This evening we finished up all of our craft projects, framed the Barbie puzzle, glitterized the English Cottage, and attached fishing line to our sun catchers.

Once again, Macin is hanging with the BIG girls outside and Aunt Jill is POOPED!

Tomorrow morning has Macin and Madison hanging out at home until noon, while Aunt Jill needs to get some work done. We head out at 2:00 to deliver Macin back to her mama before nightfall.

Another fun and successful Cousin Camp!

For a full slide show of Macin's Cousin Camp, log on to my facebook page!

toodles..

Macin's Cousin Camp - Day 1

After a good night's rest, some of us hit the ground running this morning. Within 15 minutes of going to bed Macin was fast asleep and slept until almost 9:00. A bit different than last year's first night at Cousin Camp. But then again, she is NOT at Cousin Camp this year!

Aunt Jill got up early to make hay while kids slept and lounged, heading out to work early to get most of her work done before 12:30.

Kennedy made pancakes for the crew including two friends that slept over. The from the looks of things a lot of lounging, Disney channel, and puzzle assembly was done this morning.

Aunt Jill left a 'little project' on the table for the crew to work on while she was gone. The assembly of an English Cottage, fit for a princess has gotten underway with still some more detailing to be complete tomorrow. Word has it that Cousin Eric was working on it this morning as he waited for his 1:00 interview.

Macin and Madison were invited next door for lunch, baloney and cheese sandwiches before we headed out for Madison's violin lesson.

The check engine light is now on the van, so I assume something a bit more than just my fuel gauge being off. It has a visit schedule to the van doctor tomorrow morning at 8:00. That coupled with the need for a new camera battery, a piece of siding lost on the house, red nail polish spilled on Kennedy's carpet plus speckled in the bathroom sink, and a crock pot that mysteriously lost it's knob and got dented this morning...things are breaking right and left around here.

The afternoon consisted of hanging out with the neighbor girls in the sprinkler before we ventured out for Kennedy and Madison swim meet. And an adventure it was! We were no more than 30 minutes into warm-ups when a MAJOR storm blew in. Within minutes may hem let loose; lifeguards were yelling, blowing whistles, pandemonium, lawn chairs flying, kids crying, and people running for shelter!

Honestly we didn't know what hit us! Thankfully we all made it safely to the van after both Macin and I stepped in this HUGE mud pile. Aunt Jill, with two lawn chairs, 2 jugs of water, a purse, and Macin in tow was attempting to locate her daughters in the crowd and maintain calm in the panic. For Macin, the only thing really concerning to her was that she had mud on her sandal.

'Aunt Jill, I have mud on my sandal. Aunt Jill, I have mud on my feet. Aunt Jill, I have mud on my ankle. Aunt Jill.....'

So we got in the van, turned on the radio and called our weather man (Uncle Milo) for a decision should we go or should we stay. He said it was going to be nothing but hard rain.

So after a LONG ride home thanks to the may hem with everyone leaving in a panic, we returned safe and sound. Uncle Milo rolled in shortly there after we gathered around the supper table for french dip sandwiches, broccoli salad, watermelon, and strawberries.

This evening we worked some more on our English Cottage, rocked out to Guitar Hero, and glued the Barbie puzzle.

Tomorrow....Aunt Jill's taking the DAY OFF to play!

oodles of surprises are in store....

Well it is 9:30 and I am ready for bed. Milo, Eric, and Kennedy are in the basement watching a movie. Macin and Madison are creating dance moves to Taylor Swift.

P.S. Madison has been in charge of hair for the week. We had a pony tail up do this morning, followed by extensive brushing this afternoon, then a shampoo and bath to wash the mud off our feet!

Macin's Cousin Camp - Day 0

It started out to be an exciting morning when, Aunt Jill filled up the van for her trip to Charles City only to have the gas gauge drop back to E after only 5 miles. After a quick call to the mechanic to see if I would be safe for my travels and of course MY google diagnosis, it was 'assumed' that a faulty gas gauge could be easily remedied by simply tracking the miles.

So after a quick stop at the video store to rent a few 'age appropriate' Nintendo DS games, Madison and I were off. We arrived safely at our Kwik Star destination in Charles City only to have GAINED a full tank of gas while in route! WOW...I MADE money driving!

With our sign flying high we waved down Macin's transportation..aka..her mom and after a GREAT big hug and a potty stop we were back on the road to Cedar Rapids.

Besides the Ninetendo DS games some REALLY cool Hannah Montana INVISIBLE ink puzzle books were discovered in the depths of Aunt Jill's bag.

We rocked out the the 'Hoedown Throw Down'. Discovered that Macin thinks Kevin of the Jonas brothers is really cute. Sorry..DAD. And by the end of the 2 hours, Madison was convinced that having the 'role' of the younger sister by far has its advantages over the 'older' one.

And when asked if she was excited to come to Cousin Camp, Macin's reply, 'Well, I am NOT going to Cousin Camp.'

We arrived safely and with only 1/4 of a tank of gas gone after 200 miles.

Macin scored her birthday gift...aka..slip and slide and that was the afternoon activity of choice.

She preferred to pretend to be a dog at the end of the slide, lapping up water and I don't know if she quite grasped the whole run and slide concept, but instead resorted to the army crawl.

Speaking of dogs, Macin was a bit timid at the start but after feeding Riley her green beans at supper they are now BEST FRIENDS.

Beside green beans, two helpings of Aunt Jill's pull-chicken sandwiches was on the menu along with watermelon and strawberries. Banana cake for dessert and O..yeah...at cousin camp the fudge pops are in endless supply.


The evening brought a run to Best Buy to see about getting Aunt Jill a new camera battery. You can't have Cousin Camp without a working camera.

Then our evening project...a Barbie puzzle, which we plan to modge podge. Plus some BIG girl time and hanging out in the driveway with the neighbor girls.

So it is 9:30, I think Aunt Jill is a bit more tired than the rest of the crew.

Uncle Milo should be rolling in sometime late tomorrow after attending a class in Des Moines. Word on the street is that he plans to 'play' a bit on Wednesday.

And of course, Cousin Camp is such a hit that cousins who have graduated from college STILL come back to play. Aunt Jill was driving Cousin Eric around this evening so he knew where is 1:00 interview was tomorrow. Of course, I wouldn't drive him past is interview location until he posed with the Cousin Camp sign.

When Macin was asked to pose with the Cousin Camp sign I was reminded, 'Remember, I am NOT going to Cousin Camp.'

good night......