Monday, December 13, 2010

Does it get any better than this?



I posted about this after Thanksgiving and you can read Gregg's post here, but I wanted to revisit it. In my mind there are not too many things that I enjoy more than being outside next to a fire. Winter, spring, summer or fall, a fire is an amazing thing. I have enjoyed many memorable camp fires.
  • Camp fires at our church summer camp growing up: Once the kids were all in their tents, the counselors would come out and have a camp fire. We'd sing, pray and chat. This is where I learned to love "the church". I got to know people who were older and found out that they struggled with problems just like I did.
  • Fire at the new house on Lake Huron: When I was in college, I brought a few of my guy friends up to Alpena. It was early April. We went out to the house that we had just bought on Lake Huron. They were in the process of remodeling it. All of us took off our clothes and swam in the lake. When we got out, there was a huge fire of scrap wood by which to warm up.
  • Guys' Weekend fires: I get together with some friends from college every year. Each year we debate what to do. The top priority on the list is always a fire. There is something about a fire that loosens our tongues to share what's going on in our lives. It is the time at which we catch up on what has happened during our year apart.
  • Fires in our backyard: Now we have fires regularly in our backyard. Matthew is usually the one who sticks closest to me during this. It's a great place to hang out with the kids. Ben and Caleb are usually playing football or baseball. Molly has just begun to join us. I look forward to many more.
Do you like a fire? Do you have memories of some of your best ones? Share them in the comments.

4 comments:

Sharon said...

The fires on the beach on the 4th of July stick out most in my memory. With that is the annual Alex generated July 4th fireworks. Lots of fun!!

Andy Gammons said...

Mom,
Totally agree. I knew there was one set of fires I was forgetting.

All of the fires at Gigi's house: Whenever we go to my mom's house there are always fires. Whether it's in the summer or winter a fire makes our time together special. One I remember well is when cousin Drew and our boys wrestled in the sand while all of us sat and talked by the fire.

Sharon said...

Yup, I remember that one too:)

Anonymous said...

I enjoy a fire, but not as much as you and Alex. It's fun to watch you teaching the kids to like it. Looking forward to enjoying one with you in a few days.
T