Kissing of the "M"

It's "Welcome Week" at Marist.  As I've dropped off Brayden in the mornings, I've spotted seniors greeting students with crowns on their head and passing more crowns (think Burger King) to fellow seniors.  We've been told to pack an extra pair of shorts and shirts for two of the days this week for our freshmen - and pictures on Marist's FB page have shown bonding games involving spoons, water balloons, and hula hoops.

All of those details pale in comparison, however, to the ultimate initiation ceremony at Marist - the "Kissing of the M".  Transfer students and even new staff get to participate in this as well - a symbolic representation of the school's motto "We are one".  For the freshmen, though, it's turned into more than just getting in the very shallow fountain to kiss the "M" - now, costumes are involved.   As is tradition, upper classmen who have a relationship (friendship) with the incoming freshmen get to dictate what the freshman will have to wear when kissing the "M".  Brayden's been threatening Mikayla since the day he heard about this tradition....oh boy.  (He'll be a senior when she's a freshman).

As for Brayden, we thought he might get by scott-free, but apparently we have Zach (aka "Thor" of Camp Harlow) to thank for making sure Brayden didn't get left out.  One of Zach's buddies is "Garrett" who just happens to be the Marist ASB Vice President - and apparently he's been charged with "looking out for Brayden".  Because of their combined access to the "Prop Shack" at Harlow, Garrett was able to be very creative for both Brayden and Andrew...

Oh dear.  Amy gave me a little hint that I might want to show up and take some pics of this event.  (I wouldn't have otherwise - so I'm glad she did).  Brayden gave me his blessing if I wanted to be there...but I stayed in the wings as to not embarrass him - as if any more humiliation could be possible.  I didn't know until I arrived if indeed he'd be in costume - and then quickly realized he'd been included in all aspects of the festivities.    Seriously, a too-tiny Superman costume, a horsie stick, and Musketeer ears?  And, standing next to him is Andrew in Christmas footed PJ's and an "M&M" costume. 

The costume was so tiny, it didn't even close in the back.  Note the kid in blue standing next to him (in pics above and below).  He is Spencer Hoffman, son of my dear friend, Steph Hoffman.  Brayden has really enjoyed getting to know him more - he's funny and an all-around great kid.  He's also 6'7" and STILL growing.  Watching them next to each other cracks me up.

The football players were admonished to lay all the way down to kiss the "M", hence it taking Brayden and Spencer a bit longer to get in and out.  At least it all went quick.  The freshmen went in groups of about 10, their first names were all read aloud and then they went in as a group.  

It may not look like it from the pics I've taken, but a lot of the kids were forced to wear attire they wouldn't have chosen on their own.  Girls in pirate costumes, boys in girls dance outfits, even a kid wearing an adult diaper (I made it very clear to Brayden that that was off limits for consideration for Mikayla!).  

So, now that is done - and Brayden is "official".  I'd choose over and over a silly, yet good-spirited tradition like this that sets freshmen apart than any "behind-the-scenes" hazing parents around the world fear for their children.  Brayden was all smiles....

Mikayla's First Day at Cal Young

I would be remiss if I didn't put the obligatory "first day of school" picture for Mikayla, particularly since it is her first day of middle school.  She sets high expectations for these days, and begged for blueberry buttermilk pancakes (which Brayden was happy enough to indulge in too).  I did my best to make an effort with her hair, although lately, with all the Youtube videos and Pinterest tutorials she's been watching, she has a better mastery of braids than I do.

Can't believe my youngest is already a middle schooler....but, if she has to be that age, I sure am proud of this little cutie.

This Week for Mikayla

After dropping Brayden off on Tuesday, I took Whitley and Mikayla along the river path.  She took her bike, which definitely kept my pace at a fast clip (this after having already done the elliptical....can you guess what happened by the end of the day?  Yup, headache...I'm such a dork!).  The scenery was great, though.  It was especially fun as we hit the backside of Marist's campus.  No, I wasn't stalking him - that's just where the bike path lands - which, at this point of life, is kind of cool - as we've been staring at the back of that school for so long, it now holds significance. 

Later on that afternoon, Kaela came to visit.  Since I didn't get a pic with her earlier, I made sure to get one this time around.  Whitley was in a spectacular mood, so Kaela was really getting a kick out of all of her antics.   The last time Kaela visited, Whitley had really been feeling under the weather - however, for Whitley, it's not that noticeable if you haven't spent a lot of time with her.  She's such a generally happy, content baby - that even when she's sick, she's still good - just less animated and more clingy.  (Which is bittersweet as her caregiver, because you end up getting a lot more hugs!).

It was awesome just having Kaela hanging out.  While I wasn't at all thrilled with how the house looked, it's Kaela, so it's okay.  I may be dressed obnoxiously, but it's Kaela - so it's okay.  I miss her, but am very thankful we've gotten to see each other as much as we have and hope her reasons to keep visiting Eugene keep coming up.  (Like the Tennessee game this next weekend!).

The next morning, Mikayla, Whitley, and I went out to Mom and Dad's.   Mikayla's "lat band" along her thigh had been strained so she was quite uncomfortable and a little worried as to what the problem was.  I, as mentioned before, was dealing with a nasty headache- compounded by fighting the residue of Brayden's cold in my sinuses.  Uck.  Mom helped a lot, but it took me until Saturday morning to be completely pain-free.  I feel like I owed Mikayla so much because much of Thursday and Friday afternoon were spent on the couch with an ice pack while she helped keep Whitley entertained/contained in the living room.  Thank God for that sweet girl - and oh, how I'll miss her once she heads back to school on Tuesday.

And, speaking of that "headed back", these pics were taken on Friday when Cal Young distributed schedules and lockers to the 6th graders.  In general, Mikayla scored bigtime, she has great teachers, a good locker location, and people she knows in all of her classes.  Of course, her and Kenady are bummed they only have one class together, but better than none.  Hopefully, they'll end up in the same lunch.  Mikayla is very anxious to find out about that.

With the Duck game the next day, Mikayla asked Steph if she'd pack Whitley's Duck cheerleader outfit so we could play "dress-up" with Whitley knowing she'd be seeing all of Mikayla's friends that day.  Of course, she was a big hit.  What Whitley thrives off of is "people attention" so if she knows she's the center of attention, she's generally a very happy camper and very, very friendly.  (She absolutely "makes the day" of elderly shoppers at the grocery stores - waving and saying "Hi" and "Bye" as she passes folks....so cute!)  We took her out of the stroller when we were by the lockers and she made her own attempts to open one, and then proceeded to "boot-scoot" (her seated version of crawling) down the hallway.  Apparently, she's ready for middle school!  =)

The Week for Brayden

Brayden began his 9th grade year at school on Tuesday.  It was a new student orientation, so it was just the freshman that were there.  They started late, left early, had pizza for lunch, so definitely not a typical day of high school.  =)  He had fun, though.  Hard to get a lot of details out of that kid these days (I'll be pushing a little harder on that, we've got to raise him to be able to communicate and share his heart with a future wife afterall!) - but it sounds like he's pleased with his teachers, who he has in his class with him, and the lunch slot he has.  A couple of classes have only 17 students...oh yeah, that's what we are talking about.  

This is him on Tuesday - he sure doesn't look like he should be starting high school, huh?

The next day was the first day of "real school" - and Brayden came home at 6:15 (after practice), alerting me that he needed to be wearing a tie the next day for his first home game.  Oh, this information would have been useful to have heard from the coaches during the mandatory meeting we had to attend on a Saturday night!   I wasn't too irritated, as it was going to need to happen sooner or later with formal chapel days coming up, and we needed to purchase the supplies we'd waited to get until each teacher gave us their "need list".   Well, I guess Brayden and I were going to have a Mommy/Son date at Walmart....  For the record, we did appreciate their supply of "pre-set" shirt and ties for a minimal price.  Our family tends to like our Nike apparel, but when it comes to this formal stuff, not too worried whether or not we are working with name brand!

This picture gives an idea of the next hour went.  Brayden and I worked together to make color coded binders for the classes, with each binder being able to be used independent with supplies.  It took quite a while to get it all organized, and all of the papers he'd already collected signed and placed in each notebook (as a teacher, let me note how irritating it is to receive papers meant to be kept tidy in a three-ring binder that aren't even hole-punched....c'mon folks....make an effort for these kids if you have those expectations!). 

It might come off as overkill, but we are trying very hard to be proactive in every way to anticipate needs and encourage organization.  The workload, in itself, will be hard enough - without the extra effort of having to find what it is he's supposed to do.

This was the outfit he wore the next day...lookin' pretty sharp.

His first home game happened to be one of the rainiest nights we've had in MONTHS.  At least it was a warm rain (we don't say that too often in Oregon).  It didn't begin until halftime, at which point, the Whites had already left.  John wasn't in attendance as he was saving a spot at Mens' Round-Up with Michael for themselves and the boys this weekend.  Perfect timing for that spiritual bonding to happen after such a crazy week for Brayden.  Leona bravely stayed until the bitter end.  I didn't realize it until later, but our 9th and 10th graders were playing a team from Portland of 10th and 11th graders (their JV).  We ended up losing a close battle, 16-12 (the rain caused so many turnovers) - but in light of them being a younger team, they should definitely feel proud of the effort they made.

Things Are Getting Serious Around Here

Tomorrow is Brayden's first day of high school.  Technically, it's the "New Student Orientation" day, but it counts as far as I'm concerned.  (Though I'm very thankful to have just found out he doesn't have to show up until nearly an hour later than normal, and gets done two hours earlier...and hey, pizza's included!!!). 

Because of this monumental event in the family life of the Rileys, I have spent many nights worrying brainstorming strategies for what could lead more to success and less to gnashing of teeth around here.  Particularly last night.  Lots of anxiety.  

Ultimately, I determined that we could potentially accomplish a lot as a family if we devoted the 80 minute drive home from Dallas to Eugene to discussing expectations, strategies, positive habits, potential negative consequences, possible rewards, and even throwing out ideas for lunches, dinners, and what time each of the kids would like to be woke up and aims to leave the house for their school.  (Ironically, they've switched places - Brayden now has the school that starts at 7:55, while Mikayla is at the school that begins at 9:00).

We've taken a big chunk of the summer off in requiring Brayden take the medicine that makes a ton of difference in his ADHD symptoms.  The idea of him actually having an appetite (when on any of the medicines we've tried, his desire to eat is so low, he'll consume maybe two bowls of cereal a day if left entirely up to him) - and being able to fall asleep at night was worth the utter exasperation silly antics of Brayden when he's in his more-playful/less-focused state.   Today will be the last day he'll have that freedom, and even just trying to get through the conversation required during the drive home proved exactly why that medicine is necessary when he really has to follow instructions and concentrate.  ;)

Regardless, we got through it - and I feel really good as a family that we accomplished what we did.  The ideas were contributed by everyone - and agreed by everyone, particularly in the case of consequences and rewards designated just for Brayden as he begins high school.  (It's a much bigger deal now!).   There's more to this document than what I show in this picture, but I figured it's not necessary to have to share the positives and negatives our specific family chose as motivators/consequences to meeting expectations.  

The following document was, I believe, Holy Spirit inspired during that night time fretting (an answer to prayer).  While it may not "solve everything", I feel like it is super important in our family to separate blaming/feelings from pre-arranged designated consequences for behaviors.   Too many times in the past, tears have surfaced...not so much because of the original action (missing assignments and such), but because of our reactions and his defensiveness.  If we can take that out of the equation....

So, while there are a whole lot of "unknowns" as to what Marist and the specific expectations of each of this teachers are, at least Brayden (and us) know what our expectations are and the routine we hope to set in place.  With everything I've read about ADHD, I'm more and more convinced that what motivates them to focus is so different than the way the "typical brain" functions so it's important to try to determine what does make that achievable focus come about.  Another very crucial "help" to someone with ADHD is to set up as many patterns and routines that can be followed so it can become like clockwork to follow.  If it is set up to be almost instinctual for him to walk into a classroom and turn his assignment in before being distracted by anyone or anything else...what an achievement that would be.

And, let it be said, it's not just the kids that are experiencing change tomorrow (Mikayla's school begins a week later, but tomorrow will be change enough for her in seeing her big bro head to high school) - it's also "D Day" for me (and John).  Whether that D stands for "diet", "despair" (as I face the scales), "doom", or "death to indulgence" - the time has come.  Here's my own check-in sheet to see if I can't institute the age-old methods of accountability to achieve success (though I don't plan on sharing the results with anyone else - just writing it down I think will help).   While I don't look forward to waking up extra early to insure the elliptical cardio workout happens in the garage before Whitley arrives, I am beyond looking forward to seeing myself in a much healthier light and knowing I'm doing positive things vs. the rather destructive stuff I've been doing lately.  (Like the Nachos I just consumed....and even as I'm typing this, I'm wondering what else I can eat now that I'll be craving like crazy in the next couple of months of working to be good....because, tomorrow is only 3 hours and 57 minutes away.....)

You Know It's September When...

Tomorrow is the first day of September and let me tell you, it is one of the most anticipated months of the year, both for the goods and the bads that it brings.

Here's a few indicators from the Riley perspective.

YOU KNOW IT'S SEPTEMBER WHEN...

- College football is back.  After repeating the same "Disney Channel" kind of music in the boat and in the car, I'm actually tuning in to the College Football channel on Sirrius to fully immerse myself in the love of collegiate football.  And, the UO Football flag is back up.  Eugene is amped for it's first home game...it's a beautiful thing. 

- Prep football is back.  High school football.  My son is playing HIGH SCHOOL football.  Let me remind you that he is not yet 100 pounds (maybe 96) and probably just skimming 5'0".  The coaches have mentioned he might be the smallest kid they've ever had in the program.  And, here we go again, sitting in the stands at his first jamboree, hoping they'll "give the little kid a chance".  And, then, when they do, wishing with all our hearts that something magical will happen and something dreadful won't happen.  It will take a while to be able to carry on a real conversation in the stands with other parents as I'm so distracted by what's going on in his head as he waits on the sidelines or finally gets his chance on the field.

- Brayden becomes an enigma.  After a blissful summer of his "playful otter antics", we hit September and he draws into himself.  I know it's a result of these changes in his life being so overwhelming - being conflicted with the overlap of football, new high school friends, high school ministry activities, Camp Harlow, and the anticipation of what Marist will be like.  He stops "openly sharing", gets much more short-tempered/self-centered, and leaves John and I at a loss on how to parent and deal with it.  Fortunately, we've seen this happen before, which offers a bit of comfort as we've seen him come out of it, but I feel like I'm walking on tip-toes right now in terms of how to handle any situation - and constantly feeling the tug-of-war between being ticked at him for not being a positive contributing family member to feeling an intense empathy for him as to all he's going through.

- The home is overflowing with school supplies.  And, this year, textbooks - as we have to buy them in advance for Marist.  It probably stacks up 18 inches and who knows how many pounds of textbooks...sheesh.  And, in pure irony, Brayden scored one of the top lockers (a coveted thing at Marist).  We all aren't totally sure that he'd be able to reach that top hanger in it.   I guess he could always use those textbooks as a stepstool.*

- Fall is in the air.  Trees are turning colors, leaves are falling.  I'm longing to pull out my fall decor.  Word on the street is that the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes have even returned early - making so many of my coffee drinking friends incredibly happy.

- I'm at my heaviest weight.  It's an annual thing.  And come Tuesday - that will hopefully be reversed.  Time to buckle down...and literally be able to cinch up that belt buckle.  It's time.

- As our neighbor put it, we Oregonians are "Jonesing for rain".  When summer doesn't start until July (like last year), I was ready for summer to continue through October.  But, when it began in May like this year...we are ready for a change.  And, even moreso for me, dropping the temps from a high of 80-something to a high of 60-something.

- I could care less about my tan.  In fact, even the Jergens self-tanner which has worked so well this summer to accent any sun effects is now put back in the cupboard.  I'm really at a point I don't care, and would like to start wearing white camis that don't end up stained brown from the tanner's effects.

- I am SO READY for boots and sweaters, and jackets and scarves.  Browns, crimsons, cream colors....hopefully by the time the weather adjusts to accommodate this apparel, my weight will accommodate it as well.

- It's time to drop the "blondish" highlights and return to auburn hair color.  September 23rd...me and Christi at Bello....can't wait. 

- I'll get to see "my girls" on a weekly basis.  I've missed them, and their presence in my home.  September 12th marks our first TNL night...

What are some of the hallmark seasonal changes for you? 

* This issue about Brayden's small size - I want my readers to know he's such a GREAT sport about it.  Both John and I were one of the smallest kids in the school when we were freshman - we were just very late in hitting our full height.  There's every indicator that Brayden hasn't hit that growth spurt or all of the other stuff - so he (and we) has/have every confidence that he'll end up surprising everyone by eventually reaching a standard size.  On the day he showed up at Marist to take pictures and get lockers, he actually saw and heard folks talking about him, saying "Don't stare" as he walked by - apparently taken back by a kid that small.  He takes it all in stride just like we did, and actually not only rolls with it, but occasionally relishes it.  As Amy picked up the boys the other day, she walked behind a handful of girls that were pointing out some of the freshman boys.  The comment she overheard was "Yeah, but he's still my favorite".  Pointing to Brayden.  Sure, it's "favorite" as in the cutest puppy (runt!) in the litter....but, Brayden will use it to his advantage.  If nothing else, he's noticed.  =)

Girl Time

When summer comes around, my frequent visits with girlfriends (of all ages) takes a big hit.  I'm a firm believer in "there's a season for everything", but absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder, so it's been great getting to see some of these girls in the last couple of weeks.

First up, taken a week ago at Oakway Center, half of our Thursday Night Ladies.  (Amanda, Christi, me, Courtney, and Suzie).  (The rest of the gals were either out of town, busy or out at camp).  The first aspect of this pic that is super fun is that Courtney is back, and here to stay for a couple of months (she's going into her third year of med school and is doing two 5 week stints down here shadowing a psychiatric doctor and an obstetrician).  I'm so excited we'll get her company on upcoming Thursday nights, even if it's just for a short while.  The second super fun detail from this pic is the baby bump Christi is sporting....now in her 23rd week.  They found out they'll be having a baby girl (and are SO THRILLED!).  Their current decision for her name is Elsie Noelle....love it!  She's feeling fantastic, after such an uncomfortable first trimester, she's now loving pregnancy.

This picture is kind of "cheating" as I wasn't even present when and where this pic was taken.  But, it represents Kaela being down to visit - and visit with her I did on Friday morning.  (She spent the night with Elaina the night before and stayed up late having girl time with her and Christi).   Kaela suggested we maybe spend part of our Friday morning at the mall - which, ironically, I was just about to text her to ask to do the same thing.  She had some bridal shower presents to purchase while I needed to find a new shirt for Brayden to wear at his Harlow banquet.  It was a good time cruising the mall with her and Whitley.  While we were in The Loft, we ran into Christi again...you can never get too much of that girl!  

Kaela and I ended up returning to my home, having lunch together, and all said spent four hours just talking and catching up.  She is missed dearly here in Eugene, but I'm so thankful she has multiple reasons (and dates on the calendar) to return to visit. 

She found it a little disturbing that Whitley chose the "Yo Gabba Gabba" toy over the adorable Beanie Baby Bear.  What can I say, I bought that green monster at Old Navy for her when she was itty bitty (as she was definitely drawn to it) and it's dear to her heart.  =) 

On Sunday night, I had the opportunity to meet up with Alysha.  Her birthday was the 23rd, so I was determined not to take one more raincheck in seeing her (two Mondays in a row got canceled due to an unexpected trip for he and a headache for me).  I met her at a downtown location called The Barnlight.  I'd heard it about it from other folks...it's definitely a positive effort in new eateries down there.  However, downtown is still a scary place for me.  Especially at night.  Especially when several of the streets were blocked off due to the earlier scheduled "Eugene Celebration" (had I known that was happening, I would have insisted on a different locale).  I'm such a wimp about that area....driving, parking, walking the distance to the place.   But, Alysha helped to pull me out of my comfort zone and it was definitely worth all of the "scariness" to get there.  We hung out, caught up, and look forward to lots more times to get together once the school year begins.

This morning, Mikayla, Whitley and myself got to see Mom and Dad.  But, mostly Mom as she's the one that helps restore my body to working order.   Whitley was so talkative and interactive.  She definitely disapproves of not being in the spotlight when "Grandma" is giving me attention, so half the time I have her straddling me keeping her entertained.  Mikayla helps a ton too...I will miss my "Little Assistant" once school begins!

At the end of the session, Mikayla snapped some pics of Whitley enamored with Mom's necklace....so precious!

Ugh...this pic!  But, I was already causing Heather to be late this afternoon to get back to work after her half hour lunch break, so I couldn't beg for another shot just because I didn't like my expression.  I did, however, love my time with Heather.  She's just returned from an amazing backpacking adventure in the Wallowas with her mom and a number of other folks - it sounded so incredible.  I'm really glad we got to see her today, but these 25 minute visits kind of suck - definitely gonna need some extended quality time with that girl soon. 

 

I got my September and October whiteboard calendars done last night (one of the first times I was ahead of the game) - and I think it proves I'm kind of ready to "bring it on" with some real routine.  But, the color "red" (the color for "Mom's activities") is suspiciously missing on the majority of those days, which proves it's time to start setting up some more "girl time" dates...

Lone Pine Farms

Following the camping trip, we knew that we'd be "home base" for Traig between the times he'd need to be dropped off an picked up for his M-Th camp at Harlow.  What we didn't expect was Nati and Ellie to request to stay with us as well.  It was fine with me, though.  I hear that they'll be around and I think - "Perfect, that keeps my kids happy, and is a few more hands and sets of eyes to help out with and entertain Whitley".  Their mom and dad agreed, so we had a full house for the week.

On Wednesday, I needed to head out to Lone Pine Farms as they had 10 ears of their "Bodacious" brand of corn for $2 - not a big deal if you are just feeding our family, but a significant deal if you are buying corn for 30 dinner guests.  In hindsight, because of the additional produce we bought as well as double scoop ice creams for the girls, it would have been much cheaper to get it for whatever price at the nearest Safeway! 

Mikayla barely remembered this place, and Nati and Ellie had never been here.  They ran first to the goat pen and scooped up spilled food from the dispensers to feed the goats (I didn't have any quarters to buy any).  While the girls LOVED the experience, Whitley was scared....when one of the goats "beyed" loudly, she lost it. 

As evidenced by this picture which received more "Likes" on Instagram than nearly any other post I've put up.  Kind of mean, don't you think?  For the record, she was doing fine in my arms until this pic was snapped....and then she kind of snapped....

So, we kept her at a nice safe distance where she spent time scooting about and "telling off" the bad ol' goats with her own little language.

Mikayla ventured closer with her a little later - still keeping a safe distance. 

She was okay with the sheep. 

In an effort to make up with her, I let her try a bite of Mikayla's chocolate chip mint ice cream.  She was a fan.  I knew that that girl couldn't just "blanket hate" sweets....she just had to try the right kind!  (And, she also likes my Oatmeal Raisin cookies).  However, I don't do a lot of testing, and when I do it's just a bit, I think it's a beautiful thing indeed that her taste pallet isn't nearly as corrupted as my children's were at that age. 

On our way out, Ellie got a picture of her on the tractor. 

As a point of evidence for just how much the girls loved the experience, they begged to return to Lone Pine on Saturday (even over going to see a movie).  We called to see if Whitley wanted to join us, but she didn't seem interested!  ;)

Here's a few pics of the other part of this great place - the indoor produce market.  We were trying to be pretty liberal in letting the girls pick out what they wanted, in an effort to promote better eating choices.  Can't go wrong with any of this stuff.

They also have a "Cut Your Own Flowers" area that I spotted and figured would be a cute place for pics.  Nati snapped this one and then Michele copy-catted.  =)

As fun as this place is in the summer (it also has a playground), it really hits its peak in the fall with its annual corn maze and pumpkin patches.  I suspect this might be where we'll head to this year now that the girls have fallen in love with it.

It's Hard to Be Phineas

As we hit the month of August, we were a little concerned about how Brayden's involvement in Marist Football would affect his participation serving out at Harlow.  Both are a huge deal to him, for many different reasons.  As a mom, I would vote to drop football and focus entirely on Harlow, but Brayden demonstrated his capabilities doing both much more impressively than I would have imagined.

As evening practices picked up, the second Day Camp began.  Fortunately, Brayden was paired with "Wipe-Out" (aka Ryan Ewert), one of Brayden's favorite new friends from the summer.  They had the best group he's had in a long time, and since it is the last week he'll serve in "counselor format", it ended with a bang.  As a fun perk, the little boy in the blue shirt is Carter, my friend Christy Johnson's youngest son.  It was a ton of fun for both her son and my son to have each other during this week.

This upcoming week during the final Day Camp,  Brayden was not able to commit to serving as a counselor because of the conflicts with afternoon football practices (and game), and the obligations of Picture Day at Marist.  However, Zach (aka Thor), asked Brayden if he would serve as an assistant to him in his role of running the Program this week.  Um, YES!  Exactly what Brayden would most love to do!!!!  In fact, I'm a little concerned that once he gets a taste of doing this, he won't want to return to counseling (which is what his future holds until he's out of high school).  Good thing that last group was so excellent to leave an outstanding taste for that aspect too.  I'm very happy for him to be able to participate this final week at Harlow, in such a way that allows for him to do what he needs to do for Marist football and school-beginning prep.  

On the cousin-side-of-things, Traig has barely been at home at all this summer.  On the days he hasn't been camping (Beverly Beach with his family, Harlow as a High School Camper, Mt. Hood with Brayden and us moms, or at Hills Creek), or the days that he's been at our house, he's been living at Harlow.  This, also, is rather unprecedented (like Brayden getting his assistant role this week).  Afterall, this is only Traig's second year at Harlow in a serving capacity.  As he's one year older, he's titled a CIT (Counselor-In-Training vs. Brayden's title of CAP - Counselor Apprentice).  But, even with that title, he's really not supposed to be out there any more than Brayden, as it's just supposed to be Day Camps and maybe Elementary Overnight that he'd serve at.  The big difference (besides the title and a little more expectation/responsibility) is that he gets to live at Harlow during the week.  But, with Traig - thanks, I'm sure again to Zach, he's been asked to serve at virtually all of the camps (with the obvious exception of the camp he attended himself, High School Camp).  What an honor.  And, what a difference we've seen in Traig - he's so happy, he would have been there at every single camp if he could have.  (Sorry we had to fill your summer up with other fun stuff too!).  He's also handled the role with such maturity and responsibility - he's thrived out there and been a huge blessing to others as well.  So proud of him.  And, I'm not alone....no big surprise that he earned this at the Harlow Banquet on Friday night:

Brayden had earned a similar award as a CAP last year - we really need to get the two of them together with their awards for a pic.

And, speaking of pics, despite every begging effort on my behalf for Brayden to take some photos at the banquet, he took none (at least of people).  

Fortunately, he has some good friends that are girls that did - and we just happen to be Instagram Friends with them - and through the beauty of screen shots, were able to steal their images.  This is where that title comes in....look at my (little!) boy - surrounded by all those beautiful girls.  Many will be headed to the same high school this year.... It's lookin' good for you, son....now if only we can get you to reach a bit of a growth spurt.....(but then again, he's obviously definitely working that whole "Awe, how adorable" thing....).

As a postscript, I got this picture from Leah this morning with the caption: "Look at this stud helping with Campfire rotation... :)" 

It makes my day when I get random pics texted to me of my kids from my buddies at Harlow that are spending time with them.   When I picked Brayden up today he was thrilled to report that he's part of the program skit all week long....he's playing a Jamaican Mountain Climber....with his lines so far of (Can you guess?) "Yahhh Maaaan".  Good times, good times indeed!