Happy campers.

It's hard to believe that it's already July and both kids have completed their weeks at summer camp!
Ryan attended Camp Zenith on the Oklahoma Christian University campus.

Katie went to Camp Cornerstone at OC.

We're so thankful that our church youth group attends these camps, and we're especially grateful for the adults who make these "spiritual mountaintops" possible. The kids learn and grow so much while they're there.

But is it ever SWEET when we get our kids back home!

More Flags, more fun.

Last Tuesday night provided us with an impromptu Six Flags run so Brett could get his season pass. We were there just long enough to ride the Titan twice and a few other favorites before (1) we got too tired and (2) the gully-washer hit.Brett and I still love to see pictures of the Six Flags we grew up with. This map reminded us of attractions that are long gone.
(Click on this image for a closer look.)

After our visit and right before the rain, we ate dinner at Cici's across from the Cowboys Stadium. That thing is such a monster!

So that was Tuesday night. On Thursday I took another break from my painting marathon to help chaperone another youth ministry Six Flags trip.

Unlike our last youth trip, the extra muggy/about-to-storm weather didn't close any rides. In fact, the tower (Oil Derrick, if you want to get technical) was even open! It'd been a long time since I'd been up there to get a bird's-eye view. That thing closes for high winds if someone sneezes a little too loudly.


I was especially anxious to get up there to see the Giant. It's easy to see the progress that's been made on that massive remodeling project.




Before too long, it was time to load up the cars and head back to the church building.

Both of these Six Flags youth trips were great fun, but each seemed odd because I was short a kid. Even though we kept doing head-counts with our church kids, I was still missing my own child! Last week it was Ryan who was at camp, and this time, Katie's the one who was in Oklahoma instead of at the park with us.

But on Friday, we were able to welcome Katie home.
It was SO good to get our girl back!
Because of the painting marathon (and the fact that we were out of eggs), Katie got a store-bought cake for her welcome-home party. She didn't seem to mind.

With both kids home from camp now (and both bedrooms painted!), we're ready for some more summer fun—together!

Katie's turn.

Another week, another camp. This time it's Katie's turn to spend five days in Oklahoma City for church camp.
She was so excited to be going to the middle school camp this year!

After roll call and a prayer, it was time for goodbyes.

Aw... They CAN hug!

On the people mover, Katie wasn't too thrilled to see me with the camera.

I'm so thankful that our youth minister's wife has been posting photos on Facebook for us lonesome parents:


We pray that she's learning much and having fun with her friends, but we can't wait until we get our girl back on Friday afternoon!

Fun Friday, Parts 2-3.

When we returned to the church building after Six Flags, our campers had just arrived. Since I knew I couldn't get there until 4, Brett had gone up at 3:30 to pick up Ryan. I was afraid I'd missed them, but Ryan waited for our Six Flags group to arrive. I was thrilled to not have to wait a minute more to hug and kiss my boy!
When we got home, he got to see his de-arked bedroom and his welcome-home present, a Star Wars Trouble game. Trouble is our unofficial family game. We play it A LOT. Ryan was excited to see this variation of the game.

Then it was time for welcome-home cake! This is another tradition we started the first time Ryan came home from camp.

After our sweet appetizer, we grabbed fast food for supper and then went to Nana and Papa's to help Nana celebrate her birthday.
While we were there, Kelly, Chris, Cara and Jeff came over. Since Cara and Jeff's first wedding anniversary is Sunday, we watched the video of their special day.
It brought back a lot of great memories of their ceremony and reception, and it was a nice way to wrap up a fun Friday!

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Father's Day pix are on their way tomorrow, but first:


After church today we joined the throngs gathered outside the Café to say goodbye to our Camper of the Week.
Next Sunday Katie will be the one on her way to church camp, but this week it's Ryan's turn. He's in great company; we have a bunch of our high schoolers making the trip.

Within minutes of the group's departure, I wondered why I thought it was such a good idea for him to go. Of course, we know he's learning and growing closer to his Father while also building relationships with his brothers and sisters.

But we miss our boy!

Plus, while he's gone, I must switch into DIY mode. I absolutely HAVE to attack his bedroom's Noah's Ark wallpaper border that I've been promising to remove since we moved in. Yes, in September. (I KNOW!) There's much to be done before he returns on Friday.

Of course, that doesn't keep me from hoping the time flies until our fearless foursome is reunited!

A-camping she did go...

After our busy Friday and Saturday with Cara's wedding in Garland, we were back home to get Katie ready for her week at Camp Impact.

After church on Sunday morning, the campers met in the PowerZone room for some lunch from Jason's Deli.
Jamba gave everyone some instructions, and then it was time to load up the bus and van.
Doesn't she look like a pro?

She was ready to go! I, on the other hand, was a little sad to say goodbye. Fortunately, we have an AWESOME children's minister who sends us pictures from camp! That's how I got these:








So YEA for summer camp and HOORAY for Katie's safe return!

Pop quiz.

I saw this guy's T-shirt in the breakfast line, so when I saw the camper later in the day, I just had to snap a picture. He said I wasn't the first to do that!

You know you're a Longhorn when...

1. You're the biggest and best in the nation and you know it.
That's certainly my opinion!

2. Your favorite colors are burnt orange and white.
Have you seen my purse? My wallet? My laptop case? You get the idea.

3. You vow to sing "The Eyes of Texas" at the birth of all your children.
I was too drugged up to sing anything at their births, but I did sing and play "The Eyes" for them in utero!

4. You come early, cheer loud, stay late and wear orange.
Without fail! All but four home games since 1986 plus Texas-ou and many bowl appearances.

5. You'd rather be watching the game. Period.
See #4.

6. You proudly use the Hook 'Em hand signal on a daily basis.
Yep.

7. You sport a Bevo emblem on the back of your car.
Two, actually! Three if you count the antenna ball, but that's not on the back.

8. All your passwords include "Texas" or "UT."
Now that would be way too obvious for anyone who knows me!

9. You set your cell ringer to play "Texas Fight."
Of course!

10. You bleed orange.
Well, duh!

The season starts in just 43 days!

Welcome home.

Ever since Ryan attended his first sleep-over camp, we've had a tradition of celebrating the camper's return home. Brett and Katie kept up this tradition with a little party for Ryan and me!

Katie made and decorated the cake herself!

She made some art masterpieces, and Brett gave me a rose.

They also gave Ryan some artwork and a Nintendo magazine.

We had a great week at camp, but it was awesome to be home!

Homeward bound.

After the closing assembly Friday morning, it was time for the last few group shots:

Dorm moms and dad

HCC campers

and the whole HCC entourage

After leaving OC, we headed to Chick-fil-a for lunch. It was Cow Appreciation Day, and anyone who dressed like a cow could get free food! Some of our campers went all out:

And then some of us added a few token cow spots to get our bovine on:


After lunch we were back on the people mover for the trip back home.