Steve Camp

Looking back, I have to be thankful for this past month. A picnic with my Fiancée, a family fourth of July, a Broadway show, and card games with the future in-laws have all been memorable.

Another highlight of the summer was the second annual Steve Camp. This year's lucky guests were my six year old niece and nephew, Rachel and Sam. Steve Camp is the much hyped (some say over-hyped) time when I have a couple kids up to Uncle Steve's place for a fun filled 24 hours, stuffed with walks, movies, and even more importantly: soda and ice cream.

This year, despite the extra hour spent in traffic added to the already 2 hour drive north, we visited the local grocery store to each pick out a tub of ice cream and box of sugared cereal. This particular store also has shopping carts in the form of cars, which Sam and Rae, though still waking up after the drive, found quite fun.

After a quick movie and a 1 AM lights out, I awoke at 6:30 (with the assistance of a certain pair of helpers) and, donning our "Stave Camp 2003" shirts, we were ready for our breakfast, a tour of the playgrounds, a visit to the water park, and we then concluded with gallivanting around the Orange County Fair. By the time we got back down to New Jersey, needless to say, we were all ready for some sleep. I crashed on the couch. The next day I asked if the weekend was as good as they expected, and both without hesitation said, "It was even better." That was my highlight from Steve Camp.

And now it's August, the nieces and nephews are safe back at home, and Jennn is now arriving back in Bratislava. For me this marks the beginning of another year. A year of planning, of building, and one in which hopefully the wedding plans will fall in place, I'll get in better shape, and I can strengthen the important friendships with family, friends, Jennn, and Christ.

Take care,
Steve