Landry goes to camp...

Landry finished kindergarten on a Thursday and that next Sunday we packed her and Millie up and shipped them off to their FIRST OVER NIGHT CAMP.

What in the world? They are JUST BABIES!!

But she was more than ready to go - she had been talking about "Camp Carolina" for WEEKS, asking us daily when she got to leave. She was 1000 percent more ready to go than I was ready to let her leave. I mean, yes... #thirdkid but also the BABY.

We got her all signed in, and her smile never left her face. She was practically pushing us out of this room to get to her cabin. 

Campers are split up by age groups (K-4) and this year Landy was a zebra. 

As we were moving all her stuff in, we noticed a new little addition to the cabin - each camper was assigned a chore for the week. Millie and Landry hit the jackpot, y'all.  

She was especially excited that she got a top bunk since she sleeps on bottom at home. They tried to shove us out of there but we insisted on making them actually walk us outside. 

Emmy didn't want to let her go. 

But they were more than ready for the four days ahead!

I love that Carolina Creek uploads pictures each day, so we can stalk check in on all the fun the kids are having. She was all smiles that next morning... 

and throughout the entire week. Cindy and I would text back and forth when new pics were uploaded but both noticed that the girls weren't in any pictures together. This could mean:

1. They had a fight because it's Millie and Landry and they are more like cousin siblings than anything

2. They are comfortable in their friendship and did a great job of including other people

We went with option 2. 

And on the last day we finally got to see their smiling faces together!

By Wednesday morning we were ready to see our girls and got to camp just in time for cabin awards. Landry received the "kindness" award for including others, being kind, and making friends with everyone. 

::Mom heart explosion:: 

We couldn't have been more proud of this girl!

After cabin awards, we all made our way to the gym to get a glimpse of what a day at camp looks and feels like. Counselors do a skit, campers sing a song and you hear testimonies from campers - the whole thing just lights up every part of these kids faces. 

Plus, you get to run into your old counselors making your anticipation for when you get to come back THAT MUCH GREATER!

A few final pics...

and we were heading back home, a complete set of three once again. Radley was so excited and proud of Landry. I love how much he loves them.

Thanks, Carolina Creek.... see you in August!

One last day at the lake...

One the biggest perks of kids going to school (besides no more daycare cost) are the friends they make because we get new friends, too! A few weeks ago the parents of Emmy's bestie called (and by called, I mean sent me a text... ha!) and asked if we wanted to join them and a slew of their friends at the lake. They go every year and thought their kids would like to have our kids... y'all.

Can we just pause and think about how important it is to keep building your circle? Donna didn't have to invite us... they go every year with the same group and would have had just as an amazing time as ever even if we weren't there but she went out of her way to include us and I just wanted to cry at the kindness. Kindness matters plain and simple so thanks, Donna! They were heading to Lake Limestone the same day we picked Radley up from camp, so we headed that way around lunch and made our way to the prettiest property you can imagine. 

If you ever doubted that God orchestrates our lives... I have known Macy's dad for as long as I can remember. He is the first cousin of some of our closest family friends growing up so our paths have crossed over the years and when Emmy came home the first day of kindergarten declaring Macy as her best-friend I couldn't help but smile. We had the best time spending the day enjoying the simple slowness of summer days. 

Did I mention the scenery was pretty amazing, too? These deer were so not afraid of us... I kind of wanted to see if one would just come eat out of our hands.

The kids fished and swam and went on epic little adventures in the woods.   

After lunch Blake set up his famous slip n slide and it looked so fun that I almost worked up the courage to give it a go...

but then I remembered I was closer to 50 than 20 and rethought that decision because bruises aren't that pretty.

The kids obviously thought it was the best day ever!

And I may just have to agree...

Sunshine and smiles are a great way to wind down another awesome summer...

they didn't want the day to end and begged us to let them keep fishing until they caught at least one.

Tatum was the only one with any luck but they got lots of practice casting!

Thanks for including us, Witt family! 

Foreverland Fun...

Radley had one day of rest before heading BACK to camp! This crew was heading to Carolina Creek for an entire week and they could not have been more ready to leave us behind!

Can you think of a better way to describe 100s of kinder-5th graders? 

Nope, me either.

This was the last session of the summer at CC but the counselors were just as excited and ready to teach these campers about Jesus as when we dropped Emersyn off in June!

I am LOVING this age of this crew. They are so fun and bright and free spirited. I pray so fiercely that they know how much they are loved and cherished by us. I had to grab one last hug from these two before we headed to the boys side of camp. 

Every time I see these cabins, I am incredibly impressed. I mean who wouldn't want to sleep in a building shaped like a giraffe?

Radley was thrilled that he was a Tiger - I think he's enjoying this growing up gig.

We were one of the first ones to drop off a camper so we got some extra time to snap pics. 

He was clearly over it. 

;)

We said our always too quick goodbyes and I immediately missed him as soon as we started the van. I am SURE that the feeling was 100% NOT mutual. Ha! The girls asked 103 times if the camp had posted any pictures because they missed him as much as me and Ryan did! I'm always so excited to see his face and when this was the first picture we saw, my heart nearly exploded. 

As we were dropping them off, Caroline saw her counselor from last year. She introduced Radley as her best-friend all the way from Pre-K. Cue the tears. Family is amazing to have, but when you get to choose your FRamily, well, what a gift. I always prayed that my kids would have a "Jenni"... an irreplaceable partner in life. Someone that knows and loves every piece of them. For them, that's the Munsons.

As luck would have it, rain was in the forecast for the entire week of camp. But who's going to let a "little" rain stand in the way of major fun?!?! Please note: WE SENT WATER SHOES. Nice ones. Keens - the kind you can wear as shoes. I actually let him use mine because his feet have grown so fast. So why then, dearest Radley, were you out in your tennis shoes?

At least he was in good company!

It's a shame that they don't have any fun without us.

The week probably flew by for him but we were counting the days to get our big kid back.

It was finally pick up day ... I think they missed him!

;)

We missed him, too!

Families arrive bright and early and each camper gets a cabin award. This is always my favorite part because I am always curious to hear what the kiddos strengths are from the perspective of others (and I also like to hear the creative explanations for some behaviors that others portray!)

Radley was recognized for his wisdom.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24

His counselors recognized his participation during devotional time and how he always gave thoughtful answers based on what he had read and learned from the bible. I am in awe of this kid - I need to be more like him. He reads the bible on his own every single day and I need to adopt that same practice.

Please note the backward ball cap (which I love)... wonder where he learned that? AND, we scored big time in that one of his counselors is an Aggie! Whoop to having Jacob nearby all year long!

Their friendship is a special one and I need to make it a priority for us to see this amazing family more than just during the summer. Pattons - monthly hangouts are in our future.

Emmy missed someone else, too!

What an honor to watch them not just grow up together, but to grow closer to God, together. I pray that their wisdom, adventurous spirits, selfless acts, boldness, kindess, and friendliness follows them along their paths every step of the way. That they learn from each other and build each other up in Him for years to come. 

Watch out, Carolina Creek - next year you get this entire crew for a WEEK! And they can't wait!