Meet The Early's: Kamp Week

Two weekends ago we took Miss Briley to Kamp for the first time. We had decided to leave the house around 9 or so, and Briley had gotten herself up, dressed, and ready to go by 7:00a.m. To say the least she was excited for kamp! We stopped to eat at Chick-fil-a right outside of kamp and we asked her if she was nervous. She looked at us like we were crazy, and Andy looked at me and said he was nervous for her;) We met the Farwell's at the parking lot, and waited in the hot sun until they let us in. Briley and Ellie were put in the same cabin. Two excited girls! We met their counselor's, got Briley's things organized, and had a quick snow cone before we said goodbye. We actually had to stop Briley from walking away to get a quick hug. The girl did not look back, believe me I checked.

After dropping her off we checked in to our hotel, and started Molly's laundry. We went out to eat at a restaurant that Andy grew up going to. After dinner we went to The Track to ride the bumper boats and go carts. I was not wanting to do the bumper boats, and made it pretty clear, but Andy got the ticket anyway. Bumper boats have changed since the last time I rode them. They now have water guns to soak people as you ride by, and those watching can shoot water at you. Needless to say, Baylor and I were drenched. We went back to the hotel because there was really no other option. I jumped in the shower while Baylor and Andy went to the pool.

The next day we drove back home while Baylor told us repeatedly that he missed Briley. During the week we tried to have some fun without her. We went to Deanna Rose, pool, and the Zone. On Friday we were on our way back down to pick Briley up. We stayed at Big Cedar Lodge which is always a special treat. Thank you Mike and Mary Carol for the awesome Christmas present!
We ate at the Truman House, and then made our way to the pool so the kids could swim. After awhile, the Farwell's and Bobzien's made it down. We also met up with an old family friend who was dropping her children off at kamp the following day. After a little fun in the sun, we got dressed and went to K-1 to see the new renovations, and pick up Molly.
After going by kamp, we ate some pizza and then they had movie night by the pool so we did a little more swimmig until the kids were exhausted.
Saturday morning we were up, and excited to be off to kamp to get Briley. I could not wait to hear about her week! Andy and I both anxiously awaited for pictures to be posted each day to see what she was up to. It was really the highlight of each of my days. We had so much fun hearing the stories from her and her counselor's. During the closing ceremonies, they always give each child a ribbon with their accomplishments. Briley's character qualities were dependable and friendly. They said Briley was a reliable person and a trustworthy friend. She works hard in all she does and seeks out fun while doing it. Briley loves her friends well, and is intentional in making new friends to share in her joy.
She also received the 110% award for excellent attitude and effort. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23. We were very proud of her for these accomplishments within her barn, and can only hope that she will take a bit of it with her as she comes back home.
After we met with her barn, they did whole kamp awards, and a kamp video of the week. We were again excited when Briley got the Starburst Award during her time at kamp. This is awarded to kampers who have grown the most during the week. We were very proud of her!

After the closing ceremonies, we got the last of her things in her barn, and made our way back to Big Cedar to enjoy more swimming. That night we had dinner at Devil's pool, and just walked around awhile before heading to bed.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Briley slipped into bed between Andy and I because she was scared of the deer head above their bed. I'll just pretend it's because she was just sooo happy to see us again;)

Sunday morning we got up and went to brunch before going back home. We arrived home in the afternoon, and I started cleaning the stinky laundry bag that Briley came home with. Truly a make you gag moment.
Now we are just settling back in to our summer routine for one last week before school starts. It is unbelievable that summer is almost over! In some ways I can't wait to get back on a schedule, but in other ways I'm sad for another summer to be wrapped up. As always, it flew by!