Spark Goes To Camp

For three years, ever since Dancer went for the first time, Spark has been anxiously awaiting his turn to go to 4-H camp.  Today his dream came true.   He needed to be to the bus stop this morning at 9:30.  Last night, before bed, he says "When do you think we should get up, around 6:00?"  Heavens no, 7:45 should do it, it is only 30 minutes to the bus stop.  For the record 7:45 is early for us.  This morning he woke Dad up the first time at 5:30 to see if he thought they should get up.  Dad went back to sleep but somewhere between 5:30 and 7:30 Spark got up to watch t.v.  At 7:30 he asks Dad again if he should get up.  In a confused stupor Dad bolts out of bed thinking the alarm didn't go off and now we are late.  At that time Spark crawls back into bed and falls asleep.  We had to roll him out after 8:00.  With not being able to fall asleep last night, his early, early morning  and busy day at camp I am sure he will fall asleep quickly tonight.   

Breakfast before  he left.  White bread toast with heaps of sugar and cinnamon, he should have more than enough carbs to get through the morning!  I would have made him something with a little more stick to the ribs but he made his own breakfast while I was in the shower.

Spark with all of his gear ready for the bus to arrive.  He spent the weekend fretting over what to bring and what to leave home.  In all the preparations we get there and realize he forgot a pillow.

He is so excited he can hardly contain himself.  The bus was really late, I don't know where it came from but it was about 40 minutes late.  Other campers were coming though right up until the time it left.  One mom said that she just called this morning at 8:50 a.m. to see if she could still sign her daughter up.  They said if you can get here on time she can go.  I don't know how old you have to be to drive a school bus but whatever the age is the driver just turned it  yesterday.  She looked to be about 17 and just a tiny little thing to be driving that big bus but she pulled out like a pro and since we didn't hear anything I assume she got them to camp.

He is getting on the bus.  This is first time to ever ride a school bus.  Being a homeschooled kid the bus ride is just about as big a deal as camp is.  I am taking all these pictures, kissing him good bye, waving and throwing kisses back and forth when he get on the bus and waving until the bus is out of sight.  Some other moms didn't even kiss the kids good bye or wait for the bus to leave.  One mom walked up and the first thing she said was "Do I have to wait here or can I leave now?"  I felt sad for those kids, I wanted to kiss and hug them good bye.

And away they go!  See you Wednesday, I miss you already.

After dropping off Spark we went shopping and out to lunch.  It was odd to only have Dancer and not Spark.  Often it is me, Dad and Spark when Dancer is at dance but never the other way around, perhaps even since Spark was born.  Dancer and I go once a month when it is the food shelf but then Dad isn't with.  I think she fully enjoyed herself!