Day 26b : On the Road Again. Destination: San Francisco!

And we're off! This time we gained two more drivers - Jason and Allan - which means I'm off the hook. I'm kinda bummed about that because, over the last 3+ weeks, I've grown to love our motorhome. We developed this understanding, you know, and she's never been unkind to me. Oh well. I suppose it's time for the boys to take over from here on out.

Here is Allan in the cockpit... doesn't it fit him?

Kale'a got a hold of mom's camera and decided to be the photographer for the hour. Here are some of his shots:

Maile wanted to join in on the fun so she took the camera and off she went. Christine and Brandon's children are photographers-in-the-making!

There isn't much left to see on Day 26b. Allan will probably drive down the I-5 until we hit San Francisco... Pacifica, to be exact. We're going to pull into yet another RV camp, ring Raenelle to tell her where we are, and call it a day because tomorrow is a big day. We're gonna be hanging out in one of my Top 5 Favorite US Cities. Can I get a woot woot?!

Day 26a : Farewell, Oliverios, Until Next Year!

Today is pack up day. The day we say goodbye until next year. The day we take our annual family photo on top of the tables. The day we promise each other that we'll be back again. During my childhood years saying goodbye to Sean and Brandon was hard... very, very hard. We only got to see each other a handful of times during the year *at best* and Oliverio Family Camp was a sure thing that we'd see each other again. Now - as I'm in my adulthood - I still get a bit weepy when saying goodbye. With life moving at such a rapid pace you never know when you'll see each other again, which makes the present very poignant. And special.

Looking back - almost a year later - I realize just how special 2009 Oliverio Family Camp was to my family and me. This was the last camp dad attended. God blessed him with good health and allowed him one more camp, one more chance to reunite with his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, children and grandchildren. What a special, special time it was. Indeed.

My favorite family photo of them all!

After the family group shots, The BPs gathered together for one last hurrah. Since we formed our group over twenty years ago we've invested in a little ritual to open and close camp. The six of us would gather in a circle and Sean, our leader, would place his hand in the center. We would all take one hand and pile them on top of each other. Then we would chant, "We're Brave. Right. And True. We're Brave. Right. And True." Sean would ask, "Who are we?" And we would reply, "We're the Brat Patrol!" Cheesy? Yes. Enduring? Of course! Are we still doing it? We'll never stop. That's just how we roll.

Until next year, family!

Day 25 : A River Runs Through It

It's been a year since we embarked on our road trip across America and a lot has happened since we made our epic journey. God - in His mercy - allowed dad to finally rest from his battle with cancer. Christine and Brandon welcomed their third baby into the Moningka clan. Allan and I became pregnant for the second time. Mom and Atelei are in the process of moving to Arkansas. So much as happened to our family... a little sorrow sandwiched between boatloads of joy. We have been blessed.

I haven't blogged on this site for a long time because I am a procrastinator at heart. True Story. Over the last eleven months Atelei and Christine have *gently* reminded me that this blog is left unfinished and I've decided that I will complete our blog this summer. I mean, I'm already on Day 25 and only have a handful days left. Seriously, Jen, why are you so lazy?!

Okay... so where were we?

That's right; Day 24 was gloomy and cold, a complete departure from last year's camp, which was miserably hot. Today, on the other hand, was a lovely Oregon summer day, perfect for our annual river rafting down the river! This year the BRAT PATROL's boat got a little bit bigger with Allan, Jason, and Kale'a joining our crew. Gian and Maile stayed at camp with grandma and grandpa.

This was written on the roof of one of the vans years ago!

Here we go!

We stopped at our usual station for lunch


The Awesome Cousins, before we destroyed them!


Look at those mighty rapids!

And now it's time for group shots:

After river rafting we went back to camp and proceeded to head to our favorite rock to cliff jump into the frigid lake water.

So what did the keikis do all day while their mommies and daddies went to play in the water? Take a look below:

Gian played with Grandpa:




Then Gian found Maile:


... and together they found Auntie Elme and Auntie Ellen who entertained them with water!

Then it was time for lunch...





... before they played some more!

What a great Sabbath for the entire Oliverio family, one that we won't forget for a long, long time!