Getting Ready to Go!

Hello Family and Friends!

I should begin this post by stating how thankful I am to you all who read my blog. I have enjoyed sharing the experiences of my first year of college with you and I look forward to continuing to share my adventures.
Speaking of adventures, another one is about to get underway! On Monday afternoon I will leave for Boy Scouts of America's Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, MN. I am headed north for my summer job as a member of the trading post staff at the Don Rogert Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario Canada. I will be in Ely for a week of training and then I will head to Canada. I will mainly be working in the trading post selling souvenirs, fishing licenses, and forgotten gear :)

To possibly clear up some confusion, Northern Tier has three locations, or bases. One is in Ely (where I will be for a week for training and have been before for winter camping), and two are in Canada. I will be working at one of the Canada locations, near Atikokan, Ontario. It is about three hours east of International Falls, MN. My day will consist of helping crews with their trading post needs as they enter and leave the base. If it wasn't clear or stated, Northern Tier is a canoeing-based camp. We provide Boy Scouts with the opportunity to go canoeing in the Boundary Waters and the Canadian wilderness. We provide them with all the equipment necessary for the trip and help guide them on a fun and safe canoe trip. I will be working on base helping assist the crews with their trips.

As far as my summer is concerned, I will be sharing a cabin with probably 3 others. I will live out of a plastic tote and suitcase, and I will eat in the dining hall. I will have Internet access, though I can only assume it will be slow. The best way to contact me will be by email. I will get one day off a week and plan to enjoy every day in the northern wilderness :)

Alright, enough of my near future (which I will write more about once I am there) let's review my time here at home.

Last Wednesday I enjoyed spending time with the Logans. It is always fun to get together with my "brothers" :)

On Friday morning Mom, Kayla, and I attended the Senior Mass at Hill-Murray. At the Mass was the 1st annual Distinguished Alumni Awards. My Dad's cousin, Pat Barrett, was awarded this award and my great-aunt accepted it on her behalf (as she was in Missouri).  Afterward there was a wonderful reception. It was fun for Kayla and I to go around and talk with some of our old teachers. Friday afternoon I went to lunch with a friend from high school. It is so much fun to catch up with old friends and to see where life takes us! Friday evening we all attended the Spring Pop concert at Totino-Grace. They all did a great job singing and dancing. Job well done.

On Saturday Dad and I attended Josh Logan's Eagle Scout Project. We helped build benches that are now installed around the fire pit at Katherine Abbott Park in Mahtomedi. Another job well done.

Saturday afternoon we attended a birthday party for my (now second) youngest cousin, Maliyah. As we learned at the party, my aunt is expecting again and so another cousin is on the way! The baby is due on Christmas Day.

On Sunday we attended an open house for my Aunt Diane, as we graduated from her Masters Program at Hamline University.

On Monday Kayla and I went out to lunch with a friend from church. We had lots of fun sharing our summer plans.

On Tuesday I mowed some grass and Kayla and I visited Grandma W. We went for a walk and enjoyed a delicious treat at The 4 Seasons afterward.

On Wednesday I went to lunch with a different friend from high school, once again, catching up on the past year's activities. Wednesday evening Mary came over and for a rare occasion we had seven people at the dinner table. It was so nice having everyone home for dinner :)

On Thursday morning Kayla left for Buenes Aires, Argentina. She is studying abroad for six weeks, living with a host family and taking two classes. We hope she has a fun and memorable time. Please pray for her safety and good travels.

Earlier today I did some needed shopping, dealt with some important paperwork, and began the packing process. Also, we went out for a wonderful dinner as a family. The countdown has begun and I leave in 60 hours. Yikes!

I will certainly miss being around for the summer and will miss seeing my family and friends. Know that I was torn when I accepted this job and I am still torn as it comes close for me to leave. I will stay in touch by blogging and posting pictures. Please pray that I have safe travels to Ely and then on to Canada. Continue to read the blog and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Your friend, son, brother, grandson, nephew, and more,   Kyle