Last Monday, I dropped Coley off at our Church for a week-long summer camp.
He had never been before but he wasn't a bit nervous. (I was though.)
I brought my camera and had full intentions of shooting during the 30 minutes we spent waiting for the bus to arrive but as I stepped out of the car and threw my camera strap over my head, the thought entered my mind that maybe a 4th (soon to be 5th) grader doesn't want his mom following him around with a camera, documenting his first summer camp.
So instead, I asked for one picture of us, out in the parking lot, far from any fellow camp attendees that might see him and he (as usual) was happy to oblige.
When Friday rolled around, Josh and I were both wanting to pick him up so we could hear how his week went. When I suggested that we pick him up together, Josh said, "No, I really just want to pick him up by myself."
So instead of picking up Cole together, I reluctantly let Josh Downs have that moment all to himself. (But made him promise to have Coley call me within the first five minutes of picking him up.)
And here's Coley's top 10 favorite memories from summer camp:
1. Going zip-lining.
2. Going inner-tubing.
3. Falling off the inner-tube.
4. The Wheel of Fortune. (A big wheel the kids got to spin for prizes.)
5. The Wheel of Misfortune. (A big wheel the kids and counselors got to spin for punishments.)
6. Marshmallow launchers.
7. The worship songs.
8. Crafts.
9. Swimming.
10. Meeting new friends and finding old ones.
awesome photo. when he gets married some day, you'll look at this picture and tear up. :) :)
Posted by: Shannon | June 27, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Wow! Now we know who the more giving person is in your marriage! ; ) Love the eyes in your photo.
Posted by: Nickki | June 27, 2011 at 12:59 PM
First of all, you look like Coley's sister not his mom! :) Second of all, that was mighty big of you to recognize how much it meant for Josh to pick him up. Big wife points on that one my dear. So glad the kid had a great camp.
Posted by: Wendy M. | June 27, 2011 at 01:08 PM
How sweet that Josh wanted to pick him up by himself! I don't know if I could have stepped aside!
Great picture!
Posted by: Kelli | June 27, 2011 at 01:36 PM
It sounds like he's having a great summer!
Posted by: Ellen Patton | June 27, 2011 at 02:17 PM
That's a great shot...I love it! So glad camp was fun.
Posted by: Tracy | June 27, 2011 at 06:03 PM
What a sweet great picture!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | June 27, 2011 at 06:51 PM
what a wonderful photo and a treasured memory. I am sure you have been told LOTS but you are looking fabulous. At least 10 years younger in this shot so about 21 by all accounts. Definitely more his sister than his mum x
Posted by: Michelle Last | June 28, 2011 at 05:01 AM
Karen this is such a wonderful picture of you two! Congratulations on letting Cole go to camp for an entire week - that's tough for us Moms. So glad to hear that he enjoyed it! Have a very happy 4th!
Posted by: Alaina | June 28, 2011 at 06:25 AM
Karen, you are looking healthy, gorgeous, and I still want to see your arm someday. To be able to hold a heavy camera with one hand and get such a sharp shot...I sin and am jealous.
It makes me emotional to watch Coley grow up here on this blog. You and Josh are super great parents and your kids are reflecting that.
Posted by: nancy in ks | June 28, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Thanks for the encouragement! We dropped off our 5th (soon to be 6th) grader off for camp on Sunday. He was fine for weeks and weeks and then got nervous about 30 minutes before they left. Tears and an upset stomach didn't persuade me to let him stay (even though he did ask). I've since heard that he's having a great time and can't wait to hear his stories!
Posted by: Amber | June 29, 2011 at 03:25 PM