Lego Animation Camp

The boys started their Summer Camp Extravaganza this week and it kicked off with Lego Animation Camp.

The great news - the boys love Legos.  the bad news? It was not only at their school, but it was IN ETHAN'S OLD CLASSROOM.  Ethan moaned, "Paiiiiiiii, it's like we're still in school!"

While to boys were mildly disappointed that this wasn't a straight up Lego building camp, they were able to see the fruits of their labor in the short films below.

Honestly, though, when you think about how many pictures they had to take in order to make this into a film - they get huge props for concentration and commitment!

Microwave some popcorn and hit platy below on these cinematic beauties:


Ethan's: "The Magic Story"

And Noel's: "Noellie Potter"

Camp Colman 2017 (Part 2) - Beach and Bonfires!

I mean, the day was so long, we had to break this up into two posts!

So, to no-one's surprise, around midday, Bruce got a case of the introverts.  Positioned that we needed more firewood and more wine he volunteered to be the man for the job.  And, hey, if he happened to find a place for lunch or a pedicure, he might pop in there for a second and read for a bit.

He arrived back at the camp refreshed, replenished with supplies and ready for more Gaga Ball.  The day ended and we opted against doing any skits and headed back down to the beach.  Some great photos of the boys from one of the other dads:

Throwing a Nerf torpedo - soon after Nathan's nose (l) collided with Noel's melon (r) and blood was spilled

I like my marshmallows like meteors - crispy and on fire!

Keeping warm by the fire 

Ethan playing in the sand

Ethan preparing a marshmallow

Ethan was fascinated with the sea creatures on this pipe - he would make them squirt water.

How did neither of us fall in the water??

Ethan wanted us to look cool with our hoods on.

The second night ended with each of the 9 boys effectively melting down.  It was a long day full of activity without a break.  That being said, we all went to sleep early and slept in the next day until 7.30a!!

And bet your bottom dollar, Bruce had us packed before breakfast was served and on the road soon after.

Overall, a great Milam Men camping experience!

Camp Colman 2017 (Part 1) - New and Improved with Bruce!

I can't believe it - here we are, one year later.  In THIS post from last year, I wondered if Bruce would join us on our trip to Camp Colman.  And be still my beating heart - he was in for the experience!!

For those of you who don't know Bruce (which would be odd if you're reading this and don't have exposure to Bruce), he's a man that prefers dryfit and a dry forehead.  Only one of those made an appearance at Camp Colman...

The trip really couldn't have gone better - the weather was amazing, the other dads/sons were (mostly) super and the experience left us with great memories.

We left on Friday and caught a ferry over to Bremerton and drove down to Camp Colman arriving a little before dinner.  Last year was our first year and we didn't prepare for the eating situation (boiled hamburgers, "Chinese Food" and questions from the boys as to where the menus were.). 

This year was different - we skipped the cafeteria and headed to the beach where we had campfire grilled salmon, hamburgers and hot dogs and s'mores (no photos were taken seemingly).

Noel, Jack and Keaton on the beach before dinner.

The next day the boys first rose at 5.30a as the cabin had no blackout curtains.  Bruce quickly shut that down and we finally arose at 7.00a.  After breakfast, we ventured off for a day full of activities.

The great thing about this year is that we had a parent for each child, allowing us to go in different directions as needed.  Pictures below:

Noel hitting the arts and crafts cabin making some Shrinky Dinks

Ethan tackling the rock climbing wall

Noel having a go at it as well

Okay, now for the highlight - Gaga Ball.  We saw Gaga Ball on the calendar and there were signs for it all around, but never really paid attention to it.  Well, I ran back to the cabin and on the way back Bruce texted and told me they were there.  I arrived to see what was effectively an elementary school version of Fight Club. 

Gaga Ball in its simplest form: Hit the ball open handed towards other competitors.  If you get hit below the waist, you're out.  If you hit the ball twice in a row, you're out.  Be the last person standing.

This is what I saw when I walked up:

I'm not saying there were bets taken.....

The green ball screeching towards Ethan - he had great defensive skills.

Bruce found a smaller Gaga court around the corner and we decided for a Bertschi-only game (dads included):

Ethan making his way to the new court

The dads quickly took out the children after this photo was taken and it became a real death match!

But Bruce gets so much credit here - for an extrovert with luxe tendencies, he dove in full-force knowing the boys would remember this trip forever.  He got to know the dads, made sure all of the kids were included and just made the whole experience more fun.

More to come in the next post.