CSC 2020

 The 10th annual CSC, as we always say, was our best year yet.  After much deliberation and even praying and fasting on Mom and Dad’s part, we decided not to cancel or reschedule our family reunion, despite covid risk.  However because of COVID we couldn’t use the kitchen or fridges and because of the burn ban, we couldn’t have fires.  The mosquitos and bees made things a little less comfortable, but our temperatures and water couldn’t have been more perfect.  We all arrived on Monday night and set up camp.  Dustin and Kimberly were heroes and helped Mom and Dad bring a trailer.  The trailer was a lot more comfortable for Mom and closer to the bathrooms.  They also helped set up our makeshift kitchen which included a lot of coolers, camp stoves and bins.  

Cameron and Jill got a new boat this year, Cotton Candy Unicorn Barbie boat in fabulous pink and purple.  Jeff and Stacey brought two SUPs and we brought the George Board.  Plenty of toys to keep us entertained.  On Tuesday Tony and I swam the river and paddle-boarded back.  It was a challenge this year because the cold water made me dizzy.  Jill couldn’t join me because of an ear infection, so I was glad to be with Tony.  We had a lot of crafts this year, tie dyed socks, resin crafts, glow in the dark sand.

Tyler and Chelsea really outdid themselves commemorating the 10th anniversary.  The opening ceremony, and “campfires” were perfect to emphasize T-tradition, E-everyone, N-no one left behind.  Chelsea had us stand in a circle and hold hands.  When we were all connected, we could light an energy bar.  If someone let go, we could still put our hand on them and keep the connection.  It was a great object lesson.  Tyler and Chelsea also put together a CSC trivia game that reminded us of all our great memories like, banana bread, camp barf-a-lot, and speedo trauma.  Everyones favorite was the t-shirt and photo books.  

The frisbee games were intense this year.  Tony loved them.  We were glad we brought the boys bikes because they had fun riding with their cousins.  I think fewer tadpoles died than in previous years, although they were still a tremendous source of entertainment.  We also got to meet Corbin’s girlfriend who has magically transformed him into a very enjoyable teenager.  We will enjoy it while it lasts!

Coop and Jes joined us on Tuesday night after work and were treated like royalty.  It was fun to have them all day Wednesday.  Jes connected with Eliza, Kate and Addy and Cooper played like he did when he was 10, including ignoring his mom about sunscreen and getting fried.  He was also very patient with the teenagers and only lost it in the final hour with Max and Kimball. 

Our food this year was amazing.  Kimberly made bressert crepes with chocolate pudding, nutella, whip cream and my favorite, lemon curd.  Our gourmet pizzas were a hit, tikka pizza and spicy buffalo.  The ice cream bars melted, so we won’t do that again. Jeff and Stacey made chili cheese fries that were amazing and then we fried the leftover crepes!  So good.

Tyler and Chelsea made J Dawgs with all the fixings.  Cam and Jill did delicious walking tacos and I made Mexican street corn.  

There was a lot of laughing, a lot of good discussion and lots of memories.  It was by far, my most relaxing CSC ever.  I even remembered flannel sheets and we slept like babies.  It is the most beautiful place for me.  

After CSC we spent a few days at Carpe Skiem.  The weather wasn’t that great so we sat and talked and ate great food.  Mom and Dad and the Porters joined us on Saturday.  Tony was in heaven playing game after game of Cornhole, Skull King and Pickleball.  Tony and I went for run/walk on Saturday and ended up doing an 11 mile loop.  Max had apparently used up all his connection energy at CSC and spent two full days in the basement.  I felt sad, but am getting better at not needing to control him.  Sam spent some good time with Jack. 

We are headed home now to face school starting.  I’m so thankful to have a houseboat vacay to look forward to with my family and our covenant friends.  I’m so thankful that we were able to have these traditions this year to ground us during the uncertain times.  It was the perfect protest.  We are meant to gather.