quiet week

I'm in the middle of what's sure to be the quietest week this summer, maybe even this year. Christian and Peyton are away at Church camp atop Palomar Mountain.

Christian's moved up to the Jr. High camp, having spent two years in the Youth camp, so he was feeling pretty stoked & confident about that Monday afternoon as we arrived .

9 year old Peyton, however was arriving at camp for the very first time. Mind you, this is the child who does fine sleeping over at Grandma/Grandpa's and Nana & Grandon's, but has only attempted to sleep over at the house of his best buddy, Ivan. You see, at least 3 times, we've gotten the lonesome voice phone call between 10:00-12:00 at night, with sweet Peyton on the other end saying, I miss you....I want to come home....."

So, as I made the one hour drive up the mountain, this thought was on my mind. Would Peyton be okay without us?

As we're in line checking in, he sweetly puts his arm through mine and says, "you're staying, right?" Uhh, what do you mean, Peyton? "you're staying with me, at camp, right?" he replies, with the saddest, you wouldn't leave me, kind of look you've ever seen. I hug his shoulders, Peyton, I'm not staying, I can't stay. I have to get home and take care of Elliot & Brooks this week. I thought you understood that. (I'm being as sweet and gentle, in my answer as I can possibly be, hoping & praying he won't back out of the whole camp idea in fear.....)His puppy dog blue eyes start to well up with worried tears and he bites his bottom lip to try and fight back the anxiety....

Then he grins this huge awesome grin, jokingly punches me in the arm, and laughs, "I was just messin' with you....I'm fine!"

He got me good.
And it's weird, but I'm proud of him, both for being mature enough to go to camp, and clever enough pull a good joke on me.
I love that my kids are growing up....for many reasons.
Have a great week, boys! And I'll enjoy the peace and quiet a few more days.....