Team Awesome

Sometimes you just need someone your own age to hang out with. Someone who is your emotional equal, someone who likes to do the same things you do. Someone that listens to the same music, someone that gets your jokes. Someone with the same energy level. Essentially, someone who is the same maturity level. Luckily, I have someone who fits that bill. She is 13. (In my defense, she is almost 14.) And lucky for me she was around this summer (and last) so I  had a buddy.

We went camping on a creek, we went camping on a lake, we went camping on a creek that we called a lake. We went thunder egg finding (not hunting, not searching.....FINDING) and we did it all in our backyard! You don't have to go far to find fun in beautiful Central Oregon. We spent a decent amount of time trying to stand up on half- flat rafts in the lake, which provided entertainment for those on shore. (You are welcome.) We put the dog in the kayak and he pretty much told us with his eyes that is was about damn time! The only time we did different things was at the campfire in the evenings. "The Kid" made s'mores and I had a cocktail(s). Other than that we were pretty much on the same page.

How refreshing it is to have a relationship where you pretty much agree on what to do that day. No arguing or vying for control, no hidden agendas. Just peace and quiet  and contentment. It was great.

I always think this is going to be the last summer my niece will want to hang out with her old aunt. She is a teenager, after all. She has lots of friends, and she does plenty with them, but she seems to be pretty happy getting outside and exploring what there is out there with me. (Maybe because I have a car???)  Her priorities may change...and that is OK. I'm just happy that we have been able to do so many  fun things in the last few years.

Next summer, Team Awesome to the Steens?