A New Experience ~ For All Of Us

We always knew our #1 was the favorite to each of the siblings. But until you have to drop him off at camp for the first time, you don’t really understand how much of the foundation of the family, the foundation of the kids, he really is. He is most definitely the glue that sticks them all together.

Example #1: I didn’t think Isla would go in the pool at the hotel because she hasn’t really liked any splash pads we’ve been to. Because of this assumption, I didn’t put my swimsuit on. Big mistake. She LOVED the pool and I had to be right there because she would jump in on her own if Trav was taking too long with one of the other kids. After a while she wanted nothing to do with Daddy (sorry Trav), and would only jump in to Talan or be carried around by Talan. We’re currently battling the screaming phase if she doesn’t like something. Which means she would scream if anyone else tried touching her. Insert mama eye roll. Definitely something we dislike, but my point is…Talan is her favorite. (Don’t tell G. He says he’s her best friend and always whispers to me that he thinks she likes him best.)

Example #2: Our sweet #3 has been the most out of sorts he’s been in a long time. Say a prayer for me in this coming week, because he’s been biting his nails constantly (which had been getting a lot better), having many melt downs, he hasn’t been easy to rationalize with, and cried leaving. I’m hoping a good distraction will be that he’s at summer school for 1/2 the day every day, and Grandma and Gramps will be visiting later in the week.

Example #3: Our sweet Grayson James. They really are best buddies. I was totally fine dropping Talan off and didn’t even get emotional until I saw how sad G was. He put his hat down low as we walked back to the car. He didn’t talk. When we were getting into the car, Travis asked if he was sad. In a quiet whisper he said ‘yeah.’ He went to his seat and put on his sun glasses along with keeping his hat down low. Queue the tears. My mama-heart hurt seeing his emotions of his big brother being away. The bond they have is priceless and I only hope it continues to grow.

It’s funny. While we were in Nashville, Papa told us that Talan told him he wonders if we paid more money, maybe he could stay longer. Every time he sees a brochure or some sort of ad for summer camps, he wants me to sign him up for another camp. Slow down buddy, let’s start with just being gone for 5 days this summer.

I think reality sunk in once we got there and he said getting out of the car, “OK Dad, I’m a little nervous now.” You can tell in all of the pictures (the camp ones) he has a very nervous smile. But the thing with Talan is he’s shy and unsure of himself at first. But it doesn’t take long for him to warm up. So I know he’ll be just fine. He told me after checking in at the first station with ‘Frisbee,’ she made him much more comfortable because he realized how nice everyone was, and he was “all better.” He was excited when she told him he had a super fun counselor, ‘Scoobz.’ (But what else was she gonna say, ‘Oh sorry. You’re stuck with Scoobz.’ Ha! Just kidding. EVERYONE was telling us he’s gonna have a blast with ‘Scoobz.’) His counselor has been going there since 4th grade and said he’s only missed 1 year. He was a junior counselor the past 3 years, and this year he’s a senior counselor. So he’s in good hands.

Anyways…I’m super excited to hear all about his first summer at camp (but hope he’s ready to come home and doesn’t ask me to pay more money for him to stay longer. Lol!)

Some activities will include bible study, zip lining, horse back riding, archery, swimming, crafts, mud pit tug-o-war, campfires, skit night, and we did see a big tire obstacle course! I wish I was going to camp! Friday night can’t come soon enough.

Here are some more pictures from our weekend!