My first real memory of Leslie was initiation night my first year at camp, circa 2000.  She was a JC (Junior Counselor) and this year’s JC group decided to dress up as crazed electricians.  Or something to this affect.  You see, at camp every summer we initiate our first year campers will a scary (and often times silly) story, a walk around camp and a fun introduction to the rest of camp.  Leslie’s group being the “crazed” electricians were dressed up in jeans, plaid, hats and drawn on fake beards (if memory serves me right).  I was 12 as a first year camper and she was 16 and we had no idea we’d be such good friends.

Fast forward 5 years and Leslie is my first co-counselor at camp.  I felt pretty lucky actually because Leslie was the “Mother of the Row” and I was less nervous knowing I’d have help from a pro!  We lived in Pony Express with about 12 nine to ten year olds and boy was it a crazy summer.  Note-ably of course, was the 2 week long guessing game of “who is wetting the bed?”.  Which ended with a surprise twist and cabin sweeps for three cabins.  Truly a memorable summer!  In our time as co-counselors together she taught me how to sweep away homesickness, laugh through the weird moments and of course get 12 crazy nine year olds to bed, which is not always an easy task.  She was a role model that I always looked up to.

Leslie quickly became a very close friend of mine and a person who I can always call on for help.  She is fiercely loyal, a great listener and silly.  Greg is the calm in any storm, easy going and a perfect match for Leslie.  Seeing them become parents has been a real honor.  It is already evident that Greg and Leslie are great parents, they are grounded in love for each other and their new baby.  This family of five (let’s not forget the two pups) is simply lovely!  Congratulations Leslie and Greg!  I’m so happy for you guys!