Camper Cole

We picked Cole-Man up from his first week at summer camp today. As he put it, he had a FANTASTIC time!

Here is his cabin and his counselor, Dreads a/k/a Dreadful Disaster. They all have nicknames and the kids don't find out the counselors' real names.  Every night was a "Theme" and this photo was taken on the first night - Tacky Tourist

Cole's favorite theme night was Pitch Black Attack. This was about the only night, other than Tacky Tourist, that Cole dressed up. Not too surprising. His thoughts on Halloween and dressing up are about like mine... :)

At "The Rock," which serves as the dining hall and space for camp-wide worship services

Cole was sitting out of this game of water basketball, and I was hoping when I saw this posted by the Camp that it wasn't because his ears were hurting him.  He said they hurt a little, but not too much, during the week. [We have an appointment with the ENT tomorrow to try to get these ears well.]

A big thumbs up from this guy for a fun week. He said horseback riding was his absolute favorite activity.

We received one letter - so precious, though he clearly only missed his brother! 

He writes in his East Texas accent. "DIRE"

Now, family and friends, we had envelopes addressed and stamped for him to write to each of you. When I unpacked and saw ALL the envelopes still in his trunk, he said, "Mom, I was just too  busy to write."  There you go - a typical 7YO boy for ya. :) 

Detective night

Phoenix 2 Cabin 

Cole said his best friends at camp were Tyler (bottom left) and Cody (bottom row in the hat). He said they did everything together, and were great friends. He "forgot" to ask these new BFFs where they were from. BOYS!!

Counselor Dreads is a sophomore at Baylor, and Cole said he was awesome!

We all went to the closing ceremony today, where each camper is given a Character Quality Certificate from their counselor.  Cole's QC stated that he was strong and unwavering in his decision-making, that he learns from mistakes [this one apparently lost his temper once], and that he supported both his friends and counselors. Braxton's certificate said he was tenacious - I think this counselor was pretty spot on with these boys!

Will, Cole, and Braxton 

Tate was tired and whiny today at closing ceremony and running errands in Tyler after we picked up Bubba. But, I think that is because he was tired out from lots of swimming this week!

He was really good all week and was THRILLED to see Cole-Man today. Cole was thoughtful and bought Tate a Pine Cove football at the camp store during the week. Sweet brothers.

Now, back to school in three weeks. I have already purchased most of Cole's school supplies. Why? Because it is near impossible to find all we need at one store - 216 crayons, 8 mechanical pencils with 81 extra pieces of lead, 17 chartreuse folders, 9 orange folders, 43 fuchsia folders...

Second grade here we come. Or maybe LOONEY FARM here we come!