Bunker Hill (June)

Here's another long overdue post about our trip to Missouri in June. As most readers know, Mark's mom's side of the family gathers each year at a place called Bunker Hill for a few days. While a lot of the cousins aren't able to be there regularly anymore (because of jobs, travel costs, etc.), we've been blessed to go for the last few years in a row (this year, our plans changed quite last minute after I knew I'd have a job in the fall). My family doesn't have anything like this annual reunion, and I've really come to love our time at Bunker Hill.

The place itself seems almost magical to me--there's a sign in the dining room that says something like "time stands still at Bunker Hill"--and it's really true! Of course, there have been changes and updates; in fact, they are doing lovely renovations to the cabins (just a couple a year), and the office has wifi, but something about the setting just encourages the most pleasant sense of disconnection from the high-tech, high-stress life in the real world. Especially with my niece and nephew there, I feel like I can just run wild like a kid again! Plus, it's so great to have a chance to connect with all the aunts and uncles, not to mention our immediate family.

We play games (including the traditional game of bingo with everyone), eat meals together at the cafeteria (we got ribs again this year!), and play in the water (swimming, canoeing, etc.). This year, we also had a bonfire with s'mores! There are trips into town for shopping (ladies) and golf (usually the guys). One of my favorite things this year was a long canoe ride up the river and back with Hannah and Zach. The water was high, and we went further than we've ever gone before! (Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures because there's not a good way to protect my camera from the water...).

Here are a few moments captured on camera, though, courtesy of Mom.