Ethan goes to Camp

I know what your probably thinking. Camp? Ethan is 2 years old for crying out loud! Well, he went to Wee Camp. A camp just for 2-3 year olds that is on MWF, for a half day only at the Y. Yes, I was a little nervous about sending my 2 year old baby to camp. However, I knew he was going to have so much fun. Since I am a part time employee at the Kraft Family YMCA, I knew the director of the camp program, some of the counselors, and the majority of the staff who are around the facilities. We had a lot of extra love, support, and encouragement. This does NOT mean these people show partial treatment to staff babies, but it does help when Ethan knows most of the people- it is very comforting to him.

I thought that camp would be a great way to broaden his horizons a bit. Ethan strives from fun, engaging activities with other children. Since he stays home with me, I wanted to give him an opportunity to do something different- and at the same time be good for his social development. I also thought that since he is going to preschool in September, this would give us a good idea of how things were going to go- and a great way to practice.

A few days before camp began, we had been talking to Ethan about it. He did not show any signs of being nervous, and talked about it constantly. He was really excited. We practiced the night before with his backpack-

The next morning went very smoothly. I had packed E's backpack the night before. He got up, ate breakfast, I showered, and off we went. Surprisingly, I wasn't feeling nervous. I was trying to stay up beat for Ethan so that he wouldn't detect that mommy was feeling a bit un-easy. There is a carpool line at camp for drop off, and pick up. Of course on the first day I was going to walk him in. So, we parked the car, and made our way into camp.

 

As I watched him walk up the side walk with his backpack on, it was like instant flash forward 3 years to kindergarten. As I felt tears start to make their way, I quickly thanked God that I had 3 more years. And that thought was quickly dismissed.

 



 

I asked one of the counselors to take a picture of us. I was not ready to go, but I knew the longer I stuck around, the worse it would be.

 

 

Ethan did awesome. Not one tear. He quickly found some Lego's to play with after we said our goodbyes. After a quick "If you do anything to mess up my child I'll kill you" speech with the counselor I was off. NO- just kidding! I was nice! :) Again, I felt comfortable leaving him there with such amazing people...it's just hard no matter what. He's my baby and nothing will ever change that.

 

I hung out in the Y lobby for a few minutes and chatted with some friends before I decided it was time to go. It wasn't until the ride home- as I got further and further away from the Y that I started to feel emotional. My baby was old enough to go to camp? As a mother, the hardest thing to do is to let go. It's a struggle. I realized this is only the start of my "letting go's".

 

I found it hard to keep myself busy that morning without Ethan. I went to the grocery store without him- and of course at Harris Teeter I was reminded that we always get a sugar cookie together. I was constantly checking my phone to make sure they hadn't called me.  I did my grocery shopping, some laundry, make a batch of chicken salad, a dozen chocolate chip muffins, and changed sheets on beds all within a couple of hours. Soon enough it was time to go pick him up- and I couldn't wait to hear all about his day.

 

First day of camp was a big success. Ethan had a blast. He was full of jibber jabber- telling me all about it. He got great reports, and I was so happy.

 

Every day thereafter he became more and more excited about camp- and each day I picked him up I enjoyed hearing all about it.

 

Each week of camp has a different theme. This week was Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

 

Every Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday. They encourage each child to wear their favorite shirt or outfit that goes along with the theme. Of course, Ethan had a truck shirt ready to wear. After a great Wacky Wednesday- we decided to celebrate with lunch at Chickfila.

 

 

 

Friday was water day and family day. On Friday's you send your child to camp in their swim suit. The first activity for the day is water play. They have all sorts of fun water games for the little ones. They finish the week with family day. The parents gathered for a parade put on by the campers and their counselors. Since this week was a automobile themed week they did a parade to the song "Ride the Train" and the little ones carried box cut outs of train box cars. Afterward there was all sorts of activities for the families to participate in- arts and crafts, bean bag toss, obstacle course, ect. It was very well thought out.

 

In case you are wondering the type of activities the kids do while at camp...well here you go...

 

Side walk chalk & bubbles

Story time

Singing songs & dancing

Arts & crafts (always with the theme)

Open gym time (balls, parachutes, ect)

Snack time

Water play

Music time (with instruments)

And much more!

 

Every day there is a camper of the day. The camper of the day receives this title for doing something extra special. For example, if a camper shows "honesty" or "respect" he or she could be named camper of the day. I love this. What a great way to learn about such important traits.

 

At the beginning of the week, you receive a YMCA hat for your child to use during that week. Each day, they get a "tag" on their hat for participation in each days activities.  For example, Ethan got a little puff ball glued to the top of his hat on Wednesday for dressing up for Wacky Wednesday.

 

 

 

Since I couldn't be there to take pictures of Ethan participating in activities, I LOVE that the Y staff take pictures for you!!! There is a closed facebook page just for wee camp members and they post pictures of each days activities! Whoever thought up that idea was a genius.

 

So, here are some snap shots of the week...

 

This is Harper, one of Ethan's good friends from the Y. They loved going to camp together!

 



 

Ethan is smack in the middle in the bright orange shirt with his hands raised in the air! Obviously having a good time!

 

They made traffic lights this week to go with the theme.

 

What a great week we had!!! They Y has been such a blessing in our lives! We are so glad to be apart of such an amazing place for the past 2 and a half years. A big thank you to all the staff who make this possible and all of their hard work.

 

We have already signed up for another week of Wee Camp and Ethan can't wait!

 





Decorating Diva

Decorating Diva...well not really. I just thought the title sounded catchy. Truth is, I've done some recent decorating that I'm quite happy about, so I thought I'd share.

See, my decorating problem is that I rush into things. When we first moved into our house about a year and a half ago, I felt the urge to get decorating done quickly and I rushed. Instead, what I should have done, and what I've learned to do, is live in the space a bit, feel it out, and then make your decisions about what would look great in the space.  Recently some great decorating ideas have just sort of come to me- and I am very pleased with the outcome.

First...lets talk rugs. What an easy, simple way to warm up your space. We have a very open layout in the downstairs (which I love) but it is all hardwood floors. We definitely needed some rugs to make the area a bit cozier. Here's my other problem. I AM PICKY. I feel like I search and search and search for the "perfect" thing. I never settle for something that's just "okay". Maybe that's part of why it takes me so long to decorate a room.  Anyways, of ALL the places I shopped, I found these beauties at Lowes. Let me tell you, if you are in the market for some rugs, GO THERE. Great selection, lower prices.

 

I got this pair of rugs (one for the kitchen and one for the entry way) for cheaper than ONE rug at Pier 1! And they were larger. Sorry the pictures are not more clear, I am in need of an iPhone upgrade.

 

 

Recently, we inherited a beautiful antique 4 poster bed set. We replaced our guest room furniture with it. I am thrilled with the way it looks, and love the antique charm it gives. It goes very well with the style of our home.

 

 

 

Evan re-finished this old dresser for me to go with the white quilt on the bed.  Did I mention how much I love having a handy husband?! :)

 

 I picked out new knobs (crystal style) that gives it a nice little bit of old, with a little bit of new, look. I found the mirror at Kirkland's on sale for $20. I do love a good deal!

 

 

 

I love the calm feel this room gives.

 

Now, onto our entry way (foyer) in the downstairs. I had been struggling with what to put on the wall since it was a large space. After searching ETSY (I LOVE this website) I found this-

 

 

It is larger than it looks, and ties in perfectly. This is a wall cling. I am a sucker for anything with a monogram.

 

 

I also love that you can see it on your way down the stairs.

 

 

 

Finally, onto our master bedroom. Long story short, I ordered a bed in a bag set from Amazon last year that looked WAY better online than it did when I got it. (Why do things ALWAYS look better online than in person?) In order to try and save the extra money, I just went with it. I wasn't totally in love with it, but it was "okay" for now. We were trying to go with the blue/brown motif. We took the color in the comforter and painted it on the walls...which turned out a bit darker than we hoped. So again...we just went with it.  It was a decorating disaster, and I was not pleased with the way it looked. Here is a picture of the before...

 





 

 

Not pictured- chocolate brown curtains on the walls. (again way too bold, but we already had them and I was trying to utilize what I had)

 

 

The whole color motif was just too bold/bright/stark for a master bedroom. Instead of feeling a sense of calm when entering the room, I felt wired. Maybe that's why I haven't been sleeping well!

 

Our original plan was to change the color of the walls to a soft blue. I had picked out a paint sample that I loved- and off I went to search for bedding, curtains, and pillows to tie it all in together.

 

After several stops over many days- I ended up at Pier 1. The place I like to go last because of the price. I feel like its a bit too pricey there- but somehow I always find what I need.  Go figure! I found these- 2 pillows, and matching curtains. I was SOLD the second I saw that they made curtains to match.

 





 

These have a beautiful mix of blues (both soft blue and a blue green) khaki, and soft greens. What I didn't know at the time, was when I got these home, they matched our walls PERFECTLY! Evan didn't have to paint them again after all which made him very happy.

 

 

I ordered a beautiful khaki colored comforter online that I found through Overstock.com. Everything tied in together beautifully. The curtains and the light colored comforter really toned down the color of the walls. It's amazing what curtains can do for a room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found this beautiful canvas painting at Marshall's that tied all my colors in PERFECTLY. I can't believe I got that lucky.

 

 

I added some shelves.

 

 

 

...and attempted my hand at some fancy dresser decorating. :)

 

 

I know it is hard to tell by the pictures the colors and how it all ties in. Bottom line is, this room is an instant feeling of calm when you walk in. I am in love with it. The only thing missing is something for above the bed. I found this on ESTY.com-

 

 

 

Of course, these are not our initials. I had to order ours and it will be here next week. It is hand made (out of wood) to hang above our bed. I ordered it unfinished so we can paint it whatever color we decide.  I really hope it ties into our room okay, and gives it the perfect finishing touch.

 

Thank you for letting me share a little bit of what I've been up to these last few weeks.

 

Happy Thursday!



 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 



 



Holiday in the Highcountry

For the 4th of July, we vacationed in Blowing Rock, NC where Evan's mom and step dad just purchased a cabin. It was ourselves, Evan's parents, his sister Jocelin and her husband Paul, and our two nephews Lucas and Shane.  Ethan loves his cousins and was super excited to spend the majority of the week with them. I have learned it always helps when traveling with other kids...they help keep each other entertained! So, a BIG shout out to my two sweet nephews who did a super awesome job helping out with Ethan.

As many of you know, Evan and I graduated from Appalachian State University, which is right down the road in Boone. Even though we met in Apex, college is where our love story really began. We dated all 4 years in college and then some. So, every time we re-visit this area, it is so special to us. So many memories and traditions here. This is probably our most favorite place to visit together.

We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and stayed until Sunday mid morning. On the day we arrived, we just enjoyed each others company while allowing the boys to play. The best part about this cabin is the porch. It is a long enclosed porch that is child proof on all sides. A perfect place for the boys to play with their trucks.



Evan made a bench to go with the little table that Lynn decided to put on the porch for the boys to eat at. It made a perfect kids table. The first night the boys ate dinner on the porch and decided to test out the new bench. It worked great. Good job Evan!

This porch comfortably fit all 8 of us with room for more. Every morning, the first thing Ethan would want to do was go play on the porch!

On our first full day, we all went to Grandfather Mountain. Evan and I have been here a few times, but we wanted to take the kids. For those of you that have never been, it is equipped with a little zoo, museum, hiking (which we didn't do with the kids), plenty of picnic areas, and of course, the mile high swinging bridge. Well, it doesn't swing anymore...which is probably a good thing. :) First, we visited the zoo. We happened to see the bears at a good time which Ethan enjoyed. We were lucky enough to catch them during feeding time.

After the zoo, and wandering around a bit, we decided to pick a place to enjoy our picnic lunch. We found a great spot near the top of Grandfather, with a pretty awesome view.

After we ate, we decided to explore a bit.

View from the top of the area where we ate lunch.

Little one did some exploring of his own.

We did not get any pictures on the mile high swinging bridge...Ethan had reached his limit. It was a quick trip over the bridge and back. Maybe next time. They say on a clear day you can see Charlotte from the mile high bridge. I never have- but then again I don't think I've ever been to the top on a crystal clear day.

On Friday, we left Ethan and Shane with Aunt Joss and G-dad while the rest of us hiked to the top of firetower. This is basically a 5 mile hike up the mountain to an old tower which you climb to the top for a pretty amazing view. Big thanks to Aunt Joss and G-dad for staying behind and playing with the little ones! It was SO nice to get a break. Here are some photos from our hike. All I can say is WOW. It was breathtaking. All the years we've been up here, and we still manage to find new treasures every time.

And finally at the top of firetower!









A side note- that morning it was around 50 degrees, and very windy. When we started our hike it was 59 degrees. So, hence the sweatshirt. I did finally warm up at the end. Don't let Evan fool you. He was freezing!

After our hike, we enjoyed lunch at Woodlands. Woodlands is a tradition in our family. If you have never been....GO! It is a delicious BBQ place- with all the home made sauces. Hushpuppies, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, banana pudding, ect. Need I say more?! Next time you are in the area look it up!

Since the day we did our hike was July 4th- we celebrated that evening with a good old fashioned cook out. And smores of course!

Ethan says "Happy 4th!"

I tried really hard to get a picture of me and Ethan in our red white & blue...but it didn't turn out so great.

I was very excited that my sister and her boyfriend also happened to be camping a couple of towns over in Todd. So, we were able to spend some time together. They visited us at the cabin for a few hours, and also met us for lunch at Woodlands.

On our last full day, we ventured into good ole Boone. You can NEVER go to the mountains without a trip to App State. We spent our afternoon on King street and did a little shopping. I wished we would have taken some pictures with Ethan on campus...I'm hoping that we can do that sometime in the near future. That evening Evan went with the crew to the fireworks show, and I stayed behind with Ethan. I didn't mind, since Ethan and I needed to catch up on our beauty sleep anyways. :)

On our final morning, we packed up, said our good byes, and ended our trip with a stop at the new Cracker Barrel in Boone. As Evan said- it's probably a good thing they didn't have this when we were in college- or we would have put on WAY more than the freshman 15.





All in all, a good trip. We are excited to continue the tradition of taking Ethan to the mountains with us. What a special place for our family to continue to make memories.

 

Go Mountaineers!!!