Sweet Freedom..... it tastes like Mountain Dew

We picked the boys up from camp early this weekend and I have to say, I couldn't wait to see them.  Leaving them at camp was the longest they had been away from me without being with their grandparents.  I wondered all week if they were struggling with feeling homesick.  I also wondered if they were just running so much that at the end of each day they were too tired to think about anything but going to sleep.

They were so happy to see us when we arrived at camp.  They were talking a thousand miles an hour to tell us about the friends they made, the activities they did and how they enjoyed camp and couldn't wait to go again next year.  In addition to all the activities they did, we also learned that they enjoyed the freedom of spending their money at the camp store.  They bought necessities, such as bandanas and flashlights, but they also indulged in daily treats such as snickers bars, slushies and pixie stix.  Connor quickly admitted that he didn't feel all "hyped up and crazy" after drinking a Mountain Dew, despite the warnings he's heard from us for a long time when we have denied him the opportunity to try it.  Nope, he didn't feel that way at all when he tried it the first time, second time, even the third and fourth time.  I just had to laugh and be thankful it was the two teenage cabin counselors that had to deal with him during this experimentation!

They seemed to come back 6 inches taller, with deeper voices, new words and expressions in their vocabulary and a strong sense of independence.  That's a good thing and I'm happy we sent them!  Along with all the fun, they learned a lot about faith, Jesus and being a part of the church community.  They both participated in bible drills and learned more about praying.  It was heart warming to hear them share how they feel about the experience and their faith!

So now we are back to as normal gets in our home.  Hubby and I managed to take full advantage of our time alone; it felt similar to our life about 11 years ago.  We went out on dates and enjoyed each others company without feeling the pull to get home or worry about how much the babysitter will cost.  We met friends for sushi one night, ate at a bar another night and even took in the production of "The Music Man" at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.  It was really a nice time and we are glad the boys want to return to camp next year!

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Anonymous said...

love this!!!!! You put in words EXACTLY how I felt during and after Christian's time away at camp this year. If you don't mind, I'm going to steal some of it for his yearly letter). You make me feel like bad mama...I can hardly complete his yearly letter in time (and then have to go to the calendar and remember when) and here you are blogging every week or so. Do you ever sleep? I really need to get back in the rhythm of things (organization, exercise, ...cleaning...lol) or the new school year is gonna take me under!!!! I had all these plans and projects for when the kiddos were gone and I got absolutely zippo done!!!!! Which I understand is good to take a breather every once in awhile but know I know it's going to be stressville to get those projects done once they are home. Still have four more days...think its possible? lol. Funny last night, Christian texted ..."so what have you been doing with yourself". Ummmmm...I debated on telling him "nothing and my room is a mess" and that I was doing laundry but watching the Kardashians (I know, I know, but it's like a car wreck - I can't turn away) but settled for "really busy at work". What they don't know and all that...
Well, I miss you friend and soooooo enjoy the glimpses into your life... and realizing I'm not the only one. Take care and enjoy that return home from camp.
Suzy