Camp Joseph

We love to go to Camp Joseph in Sharon, Vermont.  It really is a peaceful and blessed spot.  We try and go every year.  The Yeagers and Ackermans came with us this year.  That made it so much more fun.  All the boys were in tears when it was time to go.  I guess that means we have to go again.

All packed up and ready to go.  Look how excited and clean they are.  

There is a big grassy hill at the campground.  The kids ran and played all day.  Here are a few pictures of pure summer fun.

There is also a wooden swing set, that we frequented.  

Check out these two little munchkins.  What good friends they are.

It rained on us, so we had some quality cuddling time inside our tent.

One of our favorite things to do at Camp Joseph is just sit and visit.  And here we are just doing that.  

Gail is not a huge fan of camping, but she came anyway.  What a trooper.

Notice the knees?  They were not like that when we arrived.  I guess that means he had fun.  

We did leave the campground long enough to take a miniature hike to the Joseph Smith Memorial.

We walked up to the lodge and sat on the porch to watch the sun go down. The light here is beautiful.

And of course, it isn't a real camping trip without a fire and marshmallows.  

Father's Day

Recently I was asked, in a joking way, if I would want my boys to grow up to be like Joe. In honor of Father's Day, I would like to answer that question.

I would love it and be very proud if my sons grew up to be like their father. There isn't another man that I would rather teach my boys how to be men.

Joe is confident enough to not have to conform to fit into a assumed cookie cutter mold and yet humble enough to acknowledge when he is wrong and change. Joe is kind. He is faithful. From his father Joe learned to have a strong work ethic and wants to pass that along to his sons. Joe is loyal and true. And he loves us so much that none of us doubt it.

Happy Father's Day Joe. Thanks for all you do. We are lucky to have you.

To church today, Joe is sporting the tie Matthew made him in nursery.  So very stylish.

And He's Back

Good thing too.  We really missed him.  Apparently, it was everything he hoped for and more.  

A few of the highlights.

1.  He's very glad that he went with his nephews Jake and Jesse.

2.  There were over 75,000 kindred spirits there.  Joe always meets the nicest people at concerts.  He loves to be around others who feel the same about music and life as he does.

3.  Phish was amazing!  The first time they played they were on stage for three hours without even a set break.  And the second time was spectacular as well.   There was a lot of other good music as well.  Of note were the Bestie Boys and Andrew Bird.  But isn't Phish the real reason that everyone went to Bonaroo?

4.  There were many great camera moments.  Here are a few shots taken with my little point and shoot digital.

The boys and I are so happy that he could go and even more happy to have him home.  

And He's Off

This morning Joe left for bonnaroo. We were all sad to see him go. Yes, tears were shed at the Metzger household today. Joe was ready and excited. He's been preparing for weeks researching bands on Youtube, downloading their music, planning his schedule. He is ready. He's driving through Schenectady to pick up his nephews Jake and Jesse. Then he'll stop and see his childhood friend, Rick, in West Virginia. He'll get a hotel room tonight somewhere along the way and then arrive Thursday. The icing on the cake is that Phish will be there and play, not just once, but twice. This is Joe's idea of the Celestial Kingdom.

We will miss you. Have a good time and be safe.

FYI. While Bonnaroo is a household word at our house, I realize not everyone know about it. It is a four day long music festival in Manchester, Tennessee. It starts Thursday at 5pm and goes until late Sunday night. Hundreds of bands play and more than 50,000 people attend. Attendees camp at the festival site. If you are dying to find out more there is a website. bonnaroo.com.