Winshape 2026

We had ensured that we would return from our road trip in time for the kids to participate in WinShape Camp at our church. Colleen was in Alpine for the first time, and she was super excited.

Austin was a "banana;" the nickname for junior high helpers. I was told that this crew of young men worked hard and were a great help to the staff. Austin was even complimented by some of the ChickFila staff for his effort and expecting needs before they arised.

Amelia was in a group of all young girls; she commented on their constant chatting. She liked her leader a lot.

She did find time to make her 15th birthday treat once we returned home - ice cream cookie sandwiches.

We did sneak in a dinner with friends. Even though two of their kids were attending camp also, they all found the energy to play together all evening and then crashed hard once we got home.

Colleen was chosen to be in one of the stage challenges.

Some photos from the professional photographer.

 

Amelia was assigned as an assistant to the "Dance" skill group. Once they learned a song, they performed it during other sport skill events. She also had a character to perform in her role.

 

They all finished out the week exhausted from the 8-5 schedule in the heat, especially coming off the road trip. But there were lots of grins and stories and love spread around.

Done with Her Scoliosis Brace

This photo says that Amelia is mostly done growing and therefore can be brace free for her scoliosis!

She is done!

Baby-sitting Leah for a couple of hours. She adores Colleen.

Amelia brought her brace to the homeschool beach day and asked all the middle school boys to use a baseball bat on it. They had fun beating it up, but barely made dents on it.

 

Our First Time Camping

This past winter Deb and Andrew asked if we would be willing to try camping with them at a beach state park. They were hoping that since Patrick's allergies have been doing so well in CA, he might be able to go camping without suffering. So we booked a couple of sites at Gaviota State Beach Park, borrowed a bunch of gear, and set out for a weekend of no sleep but lots of fun.

It was chilly that first evening.

Playing games until our friends arrived.

We set up our sites where we had the campfire right by our tent with a double table barricade to keep Tate safe. So Patrick was in charge of the fire building.

  

There was a LOT of ball throwing with Tate.

S'mores of course

Breakfast the next morning

 

We went on a morning hike in the Gaviota foothills

These two went up just a bit further than the rest of us.

Shenanigans

 

Refueling for afternoon fun

 

Beach time!

 

Games after dinner

Sunset kite flying

Austin wanted to try to roast a banana with his breakfast.

Keeping everyone entertained while parents took down the campsites.

Beach walk before we left Gaviota.

The wind that came through Gaviota on our second night was so intense that none of us slept well from the tent shaking. All the kids ended up napping that Sunday afternoon.

We called our first family camping trip a giant success! Patrick had zero allergy issues and the built-in fun of the beach and hikes made for lovely days.