Argh Mate

Between camping, Pirates and saving turtles from oncoming traffic, the three of us stinky feet people have been a tight knit family the past couple of days.

First of all, I just have to say that this little group is definitely eclectic. I saw our varied personalities come out just in our little day camping trip. I won't elaborate too much because our habits may be embarrassing, but at least in the beginning of this trip I have no doubt that it will be stocked full of humor and ridiculous epiphanies. Don't worry- those of you who are already intrigued can read about it later in my upcoming book. haha.

Despite the downpour of rain this Sunday, the four of us managed to hike and camp this weekend without too many hitches. I remember at one point feeling as though I were on an episode of either Reading Rainbow or Barney. Within my first few minutes of leading the group along the woodland trail, a beautiful monarch butterfly flew right beside me and I discovered a turtle along our path. It almost gave me the desire to sing a cute little song, but sadly it's been too long since I have watched Barney with my sister. Anyway, we discovered that we may indeed survive this trip because we are decent with direction, can use a camp stove without blowing it up, don't mind walking in waist-high growths of poison ivy, are fine with peeing in the woods and love watching Jonathan save turtles that mindlessly walk in the middle of the road. With only ten or so hours before our flight to Portland (thanks Dad) I truly feel as though we are ready to conquer America! The only two fears that remain in the front of my mind include not being able to finish Bill Bryson’s amazing A Walk In the Woods before next year and pooping outside in a hole. They may seem silly, but they’re fears and I hope I don’t have to face them quite so soon. I sincerely hope that libraries along our trek will carry Bryson and that I might have a few minutes to hide away while the others are adding to the blog or producing copies of county maps.

After a couple of intense packing, weight shaving, teary-eyed days, the stinky feet gang went to see our last “before the walk” movie- Pirates of the Caribbean Tres! Umm…it was interesting. It’s too bad we all returned home with headaches and not a clue as to what the story was about, but I’d say it was a fun time all in all. The couple to the right of us who fell asleep for about 30 minutes gave us a smile. All I can remember about the actual film is wondering why Captain Hook was included in the cast and why it reminded me so much of Little Mermaid. Does every witch-lady become a giant and then create a whirlpool when she gets angry? Hmm… How do the pirates say, “Argh, she blows”? Sadly…did it ever. The reason I bring it up is because the four of us had a great laugh after the film and the next morning while making jokes about the more outrageous scenes and completely random characters who continued to enter the storyline. All I have to say is that I ate my foot when I turned to Matt after the first 10 minutes and whispered that I had better get to see plenty of Johnny for the $7 I paid. Wow, did I ever! There were like a million on the screen at once! Haha! My advice is not to see it. BUT, if you’re as stubborn about it as I had been, then don’t worry about not drinking or eating during the film, there are plenty or boring scenes to take bathrooms breaks.

Okay, I’m off my soapbox now and just want to wish everyone I know, will be meeting soon, or friends-to-be who are just checking us out, a wonderful summer. Thank you for reading about our rants, worries, hopes and experiences.

I love you parents (the ten of you there are) very much. Thank you for your tight squeezes, damp eyes, hearty prayers and strong hearts. Siblings, you are all amazing and adorable and keep us on our toes more than you realize!


Since I may not have my input posted for a little while and since I love giving shout outs...
Here’s to you Karen! Thank you for all your help with the pins. I wish you many blessings ;)