I had thought I would get "off the hook" this year and stay home with Emily while Shelby and Abby went to girl's camp. I only went once as a youth (once and a half if you count the time I faked sick on the second day so I could go home), but since moving to Thomasville in 2007, I have gone every year! I was released from the Young Women's Presidency in December, and while it was bittersweet, I was looking forward to spending a relatively quiet week with my "baby."
Apparently the Lord had other plans.
The Sunday before they were to leave the new YW President got very sick and was unable to go. No one else was willing or able to step up, so I got "volunteered." I must admit that I did not have a very positive attitude at first, and was glad the Sunday School lesson that week was on having a "change of heart"--I needed it!
Of course, once I was there things were fine. I was glad to be with the girls again and many of the lessons that were taught during the week were ones that spoke right to me. Someone higher than me knew I needed to be there and hear those things that week!
Abby with Franki and Haley in their room...
The theme this year was "Quest for the Best" and there was a medieval theme to the week.
At each meal, names were drawn to sit at the "princess" table at the front of the room. Here is Abby (with Sarah from our ward) who was chosen to be at the head table for the very first meal!
Here is the skit the girls had prepared before coming to camp. It was about all the big milestones in a young woman's life...
Mom was sweet enough to whip up a cute white dress for Abby, who was the young woman on her baptism day--she's so talented!
Shelby and Franki were visiting teachers...
After last year's fun, the girls were again looking forward to the gigantic inflatable water slide!
Shelby spent nearly an hour on it!
I think Abby went once--just so silly, sentimental mom could snap a picture.
I LOVE watching them grow up together!
The last night there was a big "feast"--the girls had to wear a skirt or dress (isn't it amazing how such a simple thing can alter how they behave?) and that afternoon they each made a flower head wreath, a goblet, and they dipped real roses in wax to lay at the table with them.
Abby ready for the feast...
Shelby before the feast...
Sisters!!!
Even though I didn't spend the week like I had planned, I was so glad to be there doing the things I did and feeling the things I felt.
Only one more summer and then all of my girls will be at camp.....I'll probably be there too! :)
