making friends

When Tony was in high school, he got in trouble when our friend accidentally left his list of things the boys needed for their camping trip on Tony's mom's dining table. When Tony's mom found the list, it said something along the lines of, "Fire, beer, and sharp things."



Except for the sharp things, this is a list that can bring people from all over the world together to bond and share stories. I can't think of many better ways to make friends than pitching some tents in the mountains and circling around a fire to eat, drink, and be merry.


And even though I absolutely loved the hiking, swimming, paddle boating, and cooking we did this past weekend, my favorite parts of the trip were the friends we made.


One night, we even introduced the Italians camping next to us to s'mores and Bud Light while enjoying the flames from their gigantic fire. Unfortunately, they have the evidence on their cameras, because I was too caught up in the fun to remember to use mine...

I especially want to mention Tara



and Angela


who befriended Graham (only kid on the trip). They played cars with him and taught him the appropriate way to kick a soccer ball. Thanks ya'll Graham is still talking about you this morning, and wondering when he can play with you again.

And, well, okay, I should probably mention Mike, too, since he was the one who instigated the fun with the neighboring campers and showed them how to drink wine from a Bud Light can.

...but I guess we'll talk to him later. He's probably still sleeping...