Hiking Laser Bears: February 2018

Aidan, 

You and I joined the Hiking Laser Bears Daddy-and-me camping group...our first campout was to Grady Spruce near Possum Kingdom Lake. It was the stuff of legend. I mean...yes...you and I did this together, and for me that is priceless and was amazing. We had an amazing Daddy and me time. In so many ways we did this together, and I will cherish the experience for that purpose forever. 

But, really for me, this was all about YOU.  I feel like I got to experience sides of you that I'd never experienced before. I got to facilitate (in some cases) and just witness (in other cases) some giant successes for you. I got to be in your sphere while YOU were in your element. Hiking Laser Bears really brought out how strong, how brave, how compassionate, how capable, how patient, how adaptable, and how romantic (more on that later) you really are!

I mean...just look at your face.

THAT is what pride looks like. That is what confidence and elation and success look like. And I am so proud of you, my son. And so happy for you. And so happy to have been on this journey with you. 

Camp Grady Spruce started out a bit forbiddingly: ice on the ground, mist in the air, clouds in the sky, chill in the air.

 But it didn't stop us from making camp and making friends and making memories:

...and then came the rains.... it was supposed to rain...and as the Hiking Laser Bears stood on the back porch of our cabin...the skies opened up and a downpour like no other emerged. Luckily, we had ponchos! Unluckily, we still got soaked as we ran through the rain to the mess hall for breakfast!

But...the rain stopped ... and the air cleared... and we were able to explore the grounds and the cabins...

...and go on our camping adventures!

First up. RIFLERY 

No targets were hit, no eyes were lost, and a lot of fun was had!

Then, on the slow road to archery, we did a lot of exploring:

Up Next: ARCHERY:

The instructor had the burps, but that got your attentions. You followed the rules, and tried your hardest. You tried, and tried, but never gave up and didn't really get upset. Your patience persevered and...

AMAZING SUCCESS! I will treasure this moment for ever. Victory for you is victory for me!

After a quick run to find a bathroom (barely made it!), we hung out at camp and walked back to the Mess for lunch. By now, the sun was starting to peek out and spirits were high!

You children found a dead 'weasel' washed up on shore, through rocks, chased ducks, checked out fake ducks, and hung out with the girls' cabin.

Then it was time for HIKING HELL'S GATE. But first we had to take a boat across the lake to get there!

Once we landed at the base of the mountain, you guys were off. And I was SO impressed by you Aidan. Hikes haven't always been easy for you. And you made this one look easy!

Then we boated back, hung out more, and headed to the next activity...

...HORSEBACK RIDING!

You cracked everyone up with your questions for the instructor:

"I will name my horse Batman!"

"Your horse will already have a different name."

"Oh... I thought it was Batman!"

...and then you met Gigi, the horse. 

You proudly saddled up and we went on an awesome ride!

The afternoon was spent hanging out with friends...and you happened to hang out with some of your girl friends from school. I would say it might be a bit too early for romance...but there was a lot of talk about crushes...and who you had crushes on...and who you had bigger crushes on...and you sort of answered (though you shouldn't have). But, despite all that, you had a great time hanging out with your friends Autumn and Maddy, as well as some of the boys, notably Baz and Parker. But... I'll never forget overseeing the girls ask if you had a crush on both of them and you nodding your head eagerly in the affirmative!

After those flames died down, it was time campfires, ghost stories, fired-up dinner and the progressive march of the tribes to the magical bonfire:

Great Chief Thunderstick awarded you and one other boy an EAGLE FEATHER for your birthday, and all of the adventure guides sang to you!

You were so surprised and happy!

The next morning we ate breakfast, explored, hung out, and cleaned up as the dads and sons packed up and one-by-one drove back home to Dallas and real life. 

You definitely earned your stripes on your first campout, my son. And I'm so happy I got to share some of the moments with you, and be there as you grew and succeeded on your own. I am so proud, my big Hiking Laser Bear. And I can't wait until the next one.