This week Conner had the chance to go to Scout Camp for the first time! Scott is the 1st counselor in the Young Mens organization (over the 12-13 year old boys) so he also got to attend. It couldn't have been more perfect.
But we sure have missed them these past 8 days. I think Payton felt it the most. The first day he just wandered around the house aimlessly, not knowing what to do with himself. I suggested that they go swimming, "No, it's not fun without Conner." We ended up watching 3 movies that day. It was interesting to see the dynamic of the house shift a little bit with Conner away and to realize what a big part he plays in his siblings' lives.
It was also weird to be out of communication with Scott for so long. When either of us goes out of town we still manage to check in every day. When he was in Europe last year we Facetimed daily. But I think this was a busy trip, with a full schedule, and when you have 16 Boy Scouts to keep in line from 6am to 11pm there just wasn't time for our regular chats. But . . . . we had instagram. And Scott did a good job of keeping me posted on their activities.
Here's a little look at Scout Camp via instagram with a few captions. They were at Camp Fiesta Island on Mission Bay in San Diego.
Fishing at Crystal Pier after the drive on Saturday // on Sunday they attended church with the San Diego 6th Ward
Mormon Battalion Museum tour // I'm told they have a print copy of this photo
The troop's campsite // Conner in his tent
Oceanography merit badge class // just hanging out
The "sludge swim" group from our troop. They woke up early tuesday morning to swim in the ocean // Joke was on the scouts. They were promised Churros for completing the sludge swim . . . the scouts were the Churros! (Scott & his fellow leaders later went on a donut run to reward the boys.)
Canoeing // Heading out for the night dragon boat race
Two things Conner does with every free second . . . fishing in the ocean (no bites for Conner, but getting the casting down well) and reading his book. // Yes, dolphins are swimming in the bay right next to camp.
The men made it home today and we are so happy to have them back! Conner was able to complete 7 merit badges (wow!) and was given his Star rank.
Scott grew a beard.
And even though I thought he looked pretty hot with the mountain man look, the beard had to go. Way too prickly. But first, he made sure to pin Anna to the ground and give her a bearded kiss. (She had been running away from him all afternoon).
It sounds like Scout Camp was a great experience. They made many memories like
- Scott's Bee-Gee's camp alarm clock, followed by the Fish Heads and Dead Puppies alarm clock (the scouts loved it and begged for more)
- the troop skit that ended in the Harlem Shake
- they ate at Chik-Fil-A (I guess this was a treat for the boys because we don't have one here)
- Conner informed me that he didn't use sunscreen the entire week or change his underwear. Awesome.
- he also lost his headgear
- after a training course Scott is now certified as a Napping Safely instructor
- and, of course, there was basketweaving
