August 6 – “Cousins’ Camp: Day Three”

Well, no early morning trip to the beach.  It was pouring down raining.  That could only mean one thing … media.  Well, except for Caleb, who was reading a book.  Oh, and Cailyn and Noa, who were practicing for Noa’s wedding and Cailyn’s career as a wedding planner.  Nani made cinnamon rolls and DadDad worked on the computer.  Perfect Saturday morning, right?  Who needs the beach, right?

Cailyn did a masterful job on Noa’s dress.  Then she put on one of Chris’ dresses that she used to play in several years ago.  You know, the kind that trailed behind her because it was about ten sizes too big?  Well … suffice it to say that it no longer trails behind her.  It pretty much fits.  Nooooooooooo …

A break in the clouds and Nani acted fast.  We notified Uncle Nathan and he raced over for transportation duty.  Once at the beach, said Uncle Nathan threw out two shark lines.  Zak waded out and fish with his rod.  The rest of the crew leapt over waves and buried themselves in the sand.  Zak caught a catfish.  Uncle Nathan caught … nothing. 

The younger kids did get an impromptu surfing lesson from good ol’ Uncle Nathan.  Cailyn brought her surfboard from surf camp – we know she can surf.  But after some brief instruction from that old salt Uncle Josiah and Caleb were both riding waves and standing up on the board all the way to shore.  Very impressive.  A successful day, I would say.  Oh, it did rain on us a little bit, but then … we were already wet.

Lunch was chicken strips and gravy, a Nani specialty and kid favorite.  Then came rest  time, meaning a nap for Noa (and DadDad.  OK.  I’m more than willing to confess my limitations).  Cailyn led the younger crew to creative play in the yellow room.  For the older boys (including Jachin, though he might be loathe to admit it), it was a movie.  Hold onto your hats … Princess Diaries 2. 

Once all were awake again, we watched the skies with fear and trepidation.  I received a phone call letting me know that things looked pretty bleak out in Jamaica Beach.  Would our plans have to be adjusted again?  Nope.  Once again, a window opened.  We raced into the vehicles (Nathan left us his truck) and headed over to the putt putt golf course.  Storms looked ominous over the Gulf, but we got our game in.  I didn’t see everyone’s score card, but I know Josiah had three holes in one.  I think everybody had a pretty good time. 

Closing out the day meant movie night.  Nani, in her great wisdom, required that the choice be a short one, nixing any full length movie options.  The final choice came down to a cooking show versus a fishing show.  Nile perch won the day.  After the catches were all made and the crocodiles were all avoided, the lights went out and attempt was made to settle down.  It took a while, but the Astros game on mute provided just enough light to provide assurance of company for all.  Oh, and the Astros won.  14-0.

Psalms 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”

Father, it has been a fun week so far.  Thank you for these rambunctious sweethearts.  Gotta love ‘em.  Amen.