Cousin Camp 2012
I can’t believe I haven’t posted about this yet. It’s been a month since Cousin Camp 2012 – it’s this thing that my mom started a few years ago for my kids and their two cousins. It’s a themed week with activities and camping and camaraderie and you can read about last year’s camp here.
This year, the kids picked the theme “hillbillies” so of course, we obliged in tasteless fashion. This is the first year I’ve also attended cousin camp (I’m usually working) so there are a lot of photos. I mean, a lot. Like, settle in.
So, this year’s Cousin Camp started like any other – with an invitation and some ground rules.
Everyone’s first order of business upon arrival was to get decked out in overalls and denim and set up camp in my parents’ field.
Then the kids had to build their own shack from cardboard and whatever they could find around grampa’s barn. You can find pretty much anything in grampa’s barn if you really, really look.
Someone gave them those hideous fake hillbilly teeth, which really set the mood but also really grossed me out.
Grama set up a Tradin’ Post where they could get penny candy, hats and dry goods.
And of course, I made sure there was a pokey for evil-doers.
Each day, the kids had lunch in little pails, and hiked down to the picnic table.
They even put together a jug band that was surprisingly loud.
Every year, grama hosts and Unbirthday Party (remember, Alice in Wonderland) and the kids have a little cake and a present. This year, Aunt Amy made homemade ice cream.
And grampa gave them weapons!
Just kidding. They were for target practice.
And after a bit of instruction, the kids got pretty good at it.
Each night was capped off by a campfire.
And s’mores, usually.
One day we took the kids to an old haunt – our former Girl Scout camp, now run down and in need of love. And customers.
I loved the time I spent here as a kid and my sister and I recalled the scout trip where one girl’s shoes caught on fire and another fell out of her bunk.
I think this is the adirondack we stayed in all those years ago. I must have been 11.
The camp is just footsteps away from the Millicoma River.
A good place to find crawdads.
And periwinkles.
And learn about botany.
And cause and effect.
And to look for Ewoks.
And to hang out with Grampa.
It’s a heck of a drive, but it was worth it.
Later, we returned home and made duct tape wallets, because of course we did.
And wrapped up the week with the Hillbilly Holler Olympics, Hatfields v. McCoys.
There was a watermelon eating contest (which was supposed to be a seed-spitting contest but someone accidentally bought seedless watermelons.)
Foot races and feats of strength.
And hog calling.
And a fun time was had by all.
I commissioned Rachael to paint my favorite dog after he'd been gone for a couple years. The likeness of Mosely is stunning. The miniature portrait is beautiful and was completed very quickly. Everyone who knew my dog immediately recognizes him in the mini painting, over all the various pictures I have of other Boston Terriers. Rachael has a unique talent to capture animals' true character and I'm proud to own her artwork.
I was first introduced to Rachael's work on Jenny "The Bloggess" Lawson's blog. I was so mesmerized at how beautiful Rachael's Dia de Los Muertos painting was, I commissioned Rachael to paint one of my bridal wedding pictures Dia de Los Muertos style. Rachael went far beyond what I imagined the portrait being and I could hardly contain my excitement when I saw it for the first time. Her attention to detail and her ability to turn an emailed idea into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bridal portrait are just a few of the things that make her the amazing, talented artist that she is. I would absolutely recommend Rachael to anyone looking for beautiful, custom art work.
I wanted a special gift for my best friend’s birthday. Rachael provided just that. I gave her an idea and she created exactly what I was looking for. She was finished quickly and in plenty of time to deliver my gift. In the end, my friend LOVED IT and so did I! Thank you!
I discovered Rachael's portraits on the Pioneer Woman's website a few years ago. Never thought I would be able to commission one, but a few months ago, my sister-in-law had to put her beloved cat Moesley to sleep because of his medical conditions. She felt immensely sad, so did I. A couple of months prior to that, I had lost my cat when we moved and she had been the one to comfort me when I was so sad. Luckily, we found my cat. When I heard that she had to put her's down, I wanted to do something special for her and for Moe. So our family, (parents, two brothers, and us) pulled together to commission the portrait. It turned out so beautiful and my sister-in-law loves it. It is a very special gift. Thank you Rachael... for sharing your talent for everyone to enjoy.
I couldn't be happier with the painting Rachel did of my 10 year old son, Quinten. It was a surprise for him and he was thrilled and in awe of seeing his image transformed! Thank you, Rachel!
Rachael is working her way through all the furkids and the real one as well!. Our first painting, of the "favorite child", Sir Knuckles the Cardigan Corgi, blows me away every time I see it. She captured him perfectly, big Corgi ears and tongue. Our most recent addition to the collection, Bernie is just as great. Some of the kitties will be here soon in all their orange, fluffy glory. We also love the picture of our daughter Sarah--her grandparents loved it as a gift last Christmas!
After seeing Rachael's work on The Pioneer Woman's blog, I knew I had to have her capture the sparkle in my dogs' eyes. She perfectly reflected the awesome mutt characteristics (floppy ears, crazy fur and all!) of my dogs, Quigley and Kia.This year, I surprised my sister and brother-in-law with a portrait that captured the unbelievable cuteness of their dog, Lewis. Everytime I've opened the package with my new portraits, my eyes fill with tears and I smile ear to ear. Now my portraits hang prominently in our living room where everyone always comments on how beautiful they are. Thanks, Rachael, for creating wonderful artwork of my cute fuzzy ones!
August 28th, 2012 at 10:52 pm
“”Someone” accidentally bought seedless watermelon.” …..best part.
August 31st, 2012 at 4:45 am
Nice place for camp. And you captured some excellent moments. Thanks for sharing.