Hasses aren't only avocados.

(note the freshly painted bench with red tractor rims - Pater's creation at camp)

(remember the bench...)

...and then again 8 and 9 years ago...

(the bench is still there)

...has led to the much anticipated, nerve wrecking (for adults and children alike), momentous rite of passage for AJ1 and Cousin Toronto who are going to Camp Moshava!!!!!  Of course, before any girl can spend four weeks in the wilderness, her Mater has to take her shopping (those bags won't fill themselves)...

With AJ1 finally ready to go camp (though it would take Pater at least another week before he was ready), the amazing day arrived.  And after a few tears (again, Pater), AJ1 and Cousin Toronto were off...

AJ1 and her friends drove through the hallowed, wooden gates of Camp and the fun began and never seemed to end...

Yup, fireworks, sports, woodwork, ropes course, art, a beehive (what!!!!), farm animals, technology, learning, singing and all with an amazing group of friends.  What could make the experience better?

At her first ever sleep-away camp, when her parents were constantly worried about how she would manage being away from home for 4 weeks but were reassuring themselves that she was grown up and knew how to look after herself, yes that self-same AJ1 went and fractured her arm!  Pater was ready to fly in a surgeon but was persuaded that AJ1 was just fine despite her arm being in a sling...

 

But Pater was not still not sure.  His little princess was away from home, her arm hanging from its socket (apparently...) and by God, he was going to make sure she was okay.  So he threw your brothers in the car and drove us to Ennismore...

...and even got the rest of the family to come for Visiting Day...

Admittedly, the multiple visits had another ulterior motive.  Mater, Pater and AJ1 all love Camp Moshava Ennismore to the moon and back.  But we needed to make sure AJ2, 3 & 4 were bitten by the same bug (aka camp mosquito and blackfly).  So Camp Moshava Ennismore introduced them to a couple fun things at the lake...

...a bit of a splash at the pool...

...one or two lovable, furry animals...

...explore their artistic side...

It's not official, but the boys may have agreed to sign up for 6 weeks next camp.  As for AJ1's plans for next summer? True there were smiles when she got off the bus and discovered her bedroom had been reorganized (and not been taken over by her stinky brothers)...

Thank you to Vicky and all the amazing staff at Camp Moshava for ensuring our AJ1 had the first of many amazing experiences at the camp we love and owe so much to...