Larry’s garden attracts a number of beautiful butterflies and insects.

Jeanine and Nico enjoying the breeze on the foredeck.

After leaving Bayside we returned to Indiana and spent 2 days with Larry. We were treated to an excellent home made dinner (who knew Larry could cook? – reportedly he is a big fan of the Cooking Channel) and a full tour of the lake. Larry and I also partnered to challenge the boys to a number of pool matches. The fact that I shall not discuss the outcome should make the results apparent.

For my part, I took portraits of all the camp members and compiled a slide show. Pictured here is my favorite photo of the week.

When it came to the annual talent show, Jeanine and her “Bayside Moma’s” rap group stole the show. As soon as she returns, I intend to post the lyrics, which will complete the story.

Jeanine was in her element from the minute we arrived. She attended a parenting workshop in the mornings, napped by day, and stood up till way past her bed time playing Euchre at night.

Maya pictured modeling the tie-dyed tee shirt she made at the craft house.

In another Bayside first, Jeanine braided hair for kids and adults alike. Maya seen here pouting over detangling prior to her dual linked tail treatment.

Leaps from tall buildings (at Bayside, she is called “Brave Maya”)

Beauty on the beach. (click photo for enlargement and check eyelashes)

Queen of the monkey bars.

Maya ran with the big girls this year. She has become entirely independent and loved every second of camp.

Each year the OneStep camp (for children who are battling cancer) has several participants in a swim across the lake (1.6 miles one way) and some who go over and back. This year one of the boys was blind, in past years a girl with one leg and a boy with one arm made the crossing. It is without doubt one of the most inspirational events I have ever witnessed and I do so religiously each year. I wait on the dock as long as they are in the water (3 hours this year), I contemplate their courage and spirit, I cheer for them and congratulate them when they emerge victorious. Nicolai joins me each year and I cherish this time together with him.

Chess made its debut at Bayside this year and both Kyle and Nicolai revived their passion for the game spending hours playing one on one or bughouse. It must be reported that for the first time in several years I was able to defeat Nico in a head to head match. My superior wisdom was also responsible for declining all rematch challenges. I also took on Kyle in what turned into a 3 hour epic battle ending in the early morning hours. I played the best game of my life and gained an early and well earned advantage. I made no mistakes throughout the entire game and yet Kyle was able to work his way back into the match and eventually defeat me with a brilliant sequence. In this case I lacked the wisdom to send him to bed at midnight while I was still winning.