independence

We dropped her off at camp yesterday afternoon.  All last week she talked about how excited she was to be at camp.  Her extensive list of what to bring was written and checked off, stories of previous years at camp were retold and a few hopes for this year's experience were shared.  She was all giggles and excitement as we made the drive up with another camper.

Andrew has learned my own personal routine when we begin the drive onto the camp's stone laneway.  The radio gets turned off and the windows come down.  I need to take in the beautiful smell and stillness of one of my favorite places.  I had hoped to volunteer this week and bring the boys.  It gives them more exposure to get comfortable with camp and me an excuse to spend a week there.  As soon as Abigail heard my potential plan a number of months ago, she put an immediate stop to the idea.  She did not want me there.  Being at camp meant she wanted to be away from us too.  It would not be the same.  Yesterday as we waited for camp to begin, I shared this story with another mom.  Abigail clarified that she did not want her brothers around for the week.  I would have been fine.  Siblings....

I know this is her time to be away from us.  To make new friends and reconnect with old ones.  To be silly, share in new experiences, sing at the top of her lungs, take in the beauty of our wonderful creation.  I know this is becoming one of her favorite places in the world too.