Carolina Camper

They're off! Kendall and Brian are on their way to North Carolina where Kendall will have her first camp experience at a 4 day camp on the water. Last night she said to me "Mom, I'm a little nervous." I wanted to say "I'm terrified!" But I didn't. And like her, I know I have nothing to worry about...but worried I will be until she comes home with the same smile illuminating her face. That's just what I'm wired to do. My mother used to hide in the bathroom until my brother and I left the house, she was busy crying. I'm not that bad, though I did call for Kendall to come back to me for one last kiss...after she was half way across the sidewalk. Brian rolled his eyes. It crossed my mind to ask if she was still nervous..did she want to just stay and try this all next year?? But I calmed my inner-Donna (my mom) and blew kisses like a maniac as she walked away. She was smiling. Either happy for her adventure to begin or perhaps her "Oh my gosh, I can't believe she's doing this to me in public" apologetic/embarrassed smile? I love that girl. She is the oldest and again has taken me to a new place I had dreamed about years ago and got to share with her today. She is so independent, she is our family 'pace' car. The youngest are always getting blamed for needing so much attention. But truthfully, it's the oldest who has the show. We are gripping on tight trying to figure out this whole parenting thing, all the while she's living her life and showing us the next progression. Our family learns from her experiences and from our reactions to those experiences. She is what makes us better parents for our other two. Doesn't mean we'll get it right the next time around...but at least Mallory can rest assured it's not our first rodeo and that can either be to her advantage, or not. Who knows what the rules will look like by the time Ty turns 8. I'm guessing Kendall will be the disgruntled older sister declaring "I NEVER got to do that!".

After dropping her off at the airport I came home and laid down (it wasn't even 7:30a!). As I laid there I could remember that sweet little girl at 6 mos old laying in the crook of my arm enjoying a quiet morning in bed with me. She was so intrigued by my voice and would laugh easily and freely. Was that really 8 years ago? Be still my beating heart...I just want to stay here a little longer and remember that smile, that laugh, that sweetness. Have fun sweet girl, I'm cheering you on.