Go go with Zuzu

We’re off to camp Brownie style, just Zuzu and me and a dozen other girls at Brazos Bend State Park. I have no fear of getting lost because I have Zuzu to navigate.

A flag ceremony of significance

Every campout starts with a flag ceremony. But, today being 9/11, this one flies at half-mast. It left me thinking. Because these girls are 8-to-9 years old, they were all born into a world where crazy people could fly planes into buildings. How much more important it is that they understand the meaning of those colors and the blessing of being born under them.

Guided course along nature’s trail

Alligators, spiders, feral pigs, and deer were among the topics along our hike through the nature tour. Learning that alligators grow a foot or more per year seemed one of the more salient takeaways.

How’s bayou?

Sorry. Couldn’t resist the headline. A perfect day would have been about 20 degrees cooler. But, other than the heat, it was a perfect weekend to be in the park. It was even too hot for lots of bugs.

Watch your step, Alligators below

As the girls stepped out to the outer edge of the observation deck, our tour guide warned them: Alligators lurk below to take advantage of the shade. See any girls perched on the railing? They all took a step back with the ranger’s warning.

Brownie camping: arts and crafts and A/C

After creating their oatmeal barrel constellations, Zuzu spent time with paper, markers, and her imagination.

Sunday breakfast DaddyMom-style

Pancakes and cool whip, bacon, OJ and oranges. Nobody left my table hungry. Though, it was a close call; never thought a dozen little girls would mow down an entire bag of pancake mix.

Snapping her way home

One of MY kids with a camera? Go figure. Zu couldn’t wait to snap shots along the way home. I think one of her favorite parts of the trip was riding shotgun there and back. My favorite part was riding that way with her all weekend.