Poconos

We just got back from a great weekend at the Carluccis' camp in the Poconos. Unfortunately because of the rainy weather, we didn't get to do some of our usual Poconos activities - no basking in the sun, building sandcastles on the beach, taking a dip in the lake, drinking cocktails on the dock, picnicking by the stream. But we did brave the elements and got out of the cabin for a little bit. Jon took Ethan fishing on the stream (instead of the boat) for the first time, and Ethan was thrilled when he caught two fish. We ventured to the Nature Center and the wet playground. I even got in a muddy run, but most of the time was spent inside the cabin. Luckily we were surrounded by wonderful friends, especially those precious babies! We met little Penn for the first time and got in more cuddles with Lily. It is a very good thing those sweet babies were there because my kids were totally enthralled and in love with them, almost to the point of smothering them!

I think my favorite moment of the whole weekend had to be Saturday night's special chicken Ficker (not sure if I spelled that right!) dinner. As we sat down to eat, Jon called a very tired Ethan over to the table to say grace with all of us adults. As we joined hands, Ethan leaned onto Jon's shoulder obviously exhausted from the day. Jon whispered in Ethan's ear and Ethan began, "Dear Lord, thank you for everyone being together. Thank you for our dinner." And then Ethan paused for a long while. Jon whispered in his ear again prompting him what to say next, but to my surprise instead of saying he was glad he caught fish today, Ethan continued on his own. With all eyes on him, he uttered, "Thank you for sharing our friends." Tear immediately welled in my eyes. I couldn't think of anything more appropriate at that moment. Despite all the dreary weather, it was a heart-warming weekend.