(Week 6 of our 52 weeks photos!)


We're Back!

What an amazing vacation! We're back from Camp Sunshine - our favorite place and week - as well as a weekend at Point Sebago. It rained all week and into the weekend, but that didn't stop us from having a great time.

Joli has really changed from year-to-year regarding her understanding of retinoblastoma. Each night, I asked her what she had enjoyed about camp. In the past few years, Joli has said things like, "I like my counselors" or "I like arts and crafts." Each night, every time I asked the question, she always mentioned something about retinoblastoma. She said she liked Camp because "here, I feel normal." She said, "Every one here has a special eye and I don't feel so weird." Also, "I get to be with Tacey."

Joli has really grown into understanding more about Rb, but also the differences between her year-long friends and her Camp friends. It broke my heart to hear that she feels "weird" when she's with other kids who have 2 seeing eyes. But, I'm glad to know she will grow up with a large group of kids who also have Rb.

Jada also loved Camp this year. She was a HUGE hit at the talent show, and I'll post that video once I get a chance. Evan also loved Camp... well, rather, people at Camp really LOVED Evan! He was being passed around so much that some people didn't even realize he was the same baby from "mom-to-mom!" We missed having Jorge around, and he joined us for the Parent's Dinner and Wish Boat launch at Camp. It was so nice having him experience what we love most about Camp Sunshine!

There are dozens and dozens of pictures, but here are a few highlights:

The girls getting ready for Costume Night. Jada and Joli danced the night away!

The bunk beds -- the girls love these bunk beds, and it was their first year that Joli was allowed to sleep up top! What a treat! They were pretending to "not hear me" when I told them to get down!

Chillin' one morning before breakfast!

Joli getting ready to launch her "wish boat." The kids make little wooden boats, light a candle on top, and then float out their boat on the lake. They then make a special wish and blow the candle out. Not a dry eye from anyone during this special ceremony!
At the Celebration Show! Jada is strutting her stuff and getting ready to sing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" with her Tot Lot friends.

Joli's best friend at Camp is Tacey. She is blind, a bilateral Rb survivor, and is the first ever Wrangler Rodeo Queen! She tours the country as the Rodeo Queen representative, and Tacey even barrel races horses! She gives new meaning - and new inspiration - to living as a blind child. And, naturally, she loved Evan!


Arriving at Camp, Tacey was one of the first kids we saw! Tacey knows it's Joli by the feel of her hair. It's the first thing she does when Joli comes near her.

Joli and Tacey sang another Hannah Montana song at the Talent Show. Joli has gotten so good at leading Tacey. She has a really great understanding of when Tacey needs to be led, and when Tacey can do it by herself. They were often hand-in-hand at Camp!

Oh, yes, Jada. Don't worry .. video to come. You've got to see Jada at the talent show. She was the talk of Camp!

Tacey saying her daily Good Morning to Evan!
Tacey is always feeling Joli's hair, so Jo thought she'd return the favor! This is the longest we've ever seen Tacey's hair. The first year we met her, she had just finished chemotherapy and was quite bald. Second year, a little bit of hair had grown; but now, she has beautiful long hair!

The three girls just before we had to pack up and leave Camp Sunshine!


Certainly more to come -- but it's late, and we've been gone for a LONG time! Everyone is home, happy, and safe!