Milo spent the week in his wagon. Literally, the entire conference, in his wagon. Ok he got out a little, but seriously not much. (That sign behind them is a list of pool rules. I never noticed it while we were there. When I saw this picture in full size I was able to read them. It turns out that I broke quite a few rules. Weird!) I think this baby carrier is a wee bit more manly then the baby wrap. Don’t you? *giggle*
And here he is again… With his the mask I made TJ for the masquerade ball and his paper bag puppets. they are superheroes and he is flying them while TJ runs down the hill pulling the wagon.
Each night looked like this. he would just turn over, curl up and fall asleep right in his wagon.
Skylar is beginning to love the conferences. For the friends and the freedom. How I wish he could play with all those boys here at home. He was in his element for sure! He seems to like it when I don’t know where he is. I’m not so sure how I feel about that. Half the time he was at the pool (of course) with no phone. I’ve never done so much walking in my life. Admittedly, I spent a lot of time walking around looking for Skylar. I just didn’t tell him that!
Here is the mask I made for Skylar. The one he made was awesome bit some glued on pieces shifted and he was REALLY upset. Luckily, Milo wasn’t really into his mask at all so I peeled the paper off and got out the sharpies.
Skylar also found a new found love of Sierra Mist. Sprite comes in second. He’s never liked soda. I don’t know if I really like the fact that he was downing 3 and 4 sodas a day during the conference. However, I love the fact that I had the oppurtunity to say yes every time he asked for a dollar. When we didn’t have a dollar, we found him a dollar. 
I think my favorite part of the conference was the sense of community I felt from being around so many people on the same journey. We all are embracing the same philosophies and care so much about improving our children’s lives. Any time that one can be kinder and gentler to children is worth it. I saw some familiar faces and met so many new ones! I met some of my blog readers which made me giggle. When faced with one of my readers, I suddenly realize how public I’ve made my life. I hope that I’m helping out some and bringing a little joy and laughter to others. When I first started unschooling, the others seemed so perfect. It took me quite some time to figure out that there is no perfection in unschooling. It’s truly a never ending journey.
The Peaceful Partnerships talk, even though I missed some of it, was especially helpful for me. I know that I don’t always extend the same love and respect that to TJ that I try to give my children. Beth gave me a lot to think about and some new books to read.
The whole theme of “no guarantees” really helped me put it into perspective. There seemed to be a lot of loss surrounding some of the veteran unschooling families. There are no guarantees in life. There are no guarantees that I will see my children, or my husband, or anyone tomorrow. This I will always remember. When the kids are tugging on my last nerve, I will remember it.
I miss the conference, I miss all of you. As much as I didn’t want to leave, I am grateful for the new tools and the new perspectives and the new thoughts I am able to bring home. It wouldn’t really make sense to be around only unschoolers all the time would it?