Last thoughts

It’s as challenging for me to transition out of blog mindset as it is to transition back to New England (though these summery days in the 70s have definitely taken the sting out of the latter). Thus, a few final thoughts/images/observations/memories that are still with me:

1)      Sam H. snuggling with her reading buddy at Gallon Jug  Community School.

2)      Max playing Tiger in the Jungle with his GJCS pal, despite the noonday heat and wearing a balloon hat (Max, not the kid).

3)      Thomas helping me muddle through “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” with the little kids … and my consternation at the idea that Miss Debbie didn’t have that one in her repertoire, though she is actually teaching In the Jungle AND her last name is Lyon!

4)      Haley’s various triumphs, including the zip line and the sharks … but mostly the passion I saw in her at the school, which I haven’t often seen her exude.

5)      Colie’s energy. Everywhere. All the time. And his depiction of himself as a child at the dinner table. Yikes.

6)      Blair’s unending (and much deserved) birthday celebration. But mostly her genuine enthusiasm for everything we did.

7)      Aaron striding across the sand at Sunbreeze trying to sneak a chocolate cake into his room as a surprise for Blair’s 2^nd birthday night (no idea where he stored it). And the collective effort that went into accomplishing that! (not Aaron hitting his head on stuff or being too tall for an outhouse or a jungle shower …)

8)      Cat on horseback galloping across the field at Gallon Jug.

9)      Ping trying to keep a straight face as a chubby little boy in a “Manuel” t-shirt whistled at her. A lot.

10)   Emma blossoming into the person everyone wanted to hang with.

11) Sam G.'s transformation over the years from little kid to tour guide on the trip, and her constant efforts to help and problem-solve where needed. Sometimes, her sass.

12)   Every other crazy thing that came out of Maddie’s mouth. And her guitar playing.

13)   Ozzie’s everpresent music – the sing-alongs, the guitar strumming, the humming he always does even when people are talking. I wonder if he knows music is always seeping out of him? Also the secret smug look on his face when Maddie got “randomly searched” twice at the airport, instead of him.

14)   The constant good nature of the group, its preternatural punctuality, its patience with us adults and our family, its thoughtful observations, its constant questions, its obvious intellectual curiosity, its endless enthusiasm … and so much more!

Thank you for sharing your kids with us - they made the trip! And thanks to Colie (below) for safely flying us out of San Pedro on Sunday ...

Peace.