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Aidan, look at that glow...that spark...the amount of amazement and wonder you see on your face as you stared into a stick-on-fire is the same amount of amazement and wonder I feel as I look upon you growing up before our very eyes. You are strong, you persevere, you are kind, you are adventurous, and nothing brings out these qualities more than a Daddy-and-Me camping trip with the boys and dads from WRM also known as the Hiking Laser Bears!
So I picked you up early from school one day, we loaded up the Santa Fe, and headed out on (another) rainy day to drive about 3 hours south to YMCA Camp Cullen.
...and what an adventure we had in those all-too-short days.
You've grown so much since our first campout- you're braver, stronger, kinder...and still very curious about exploring relationships with your friends, trying new activities, and pushing the limits.
This campsite had an indigenous population of Daddy-long-legs. Some of the boys were scared of them; you...not so much. But, you DID get quite upset at one of the other Dads when he accidentally stepped on one. You said 'it's a living creature!'
You stayed up late (toooo late) with your friends: hanging out, inventing and playing "Wall Sock" with infectious laughter (it's a game where socks get thrown onto walls, retrieved, and thrown again)...
We also hit every highlight on the Y map...
We all got to go Horseback riding together...and I'll never forget that my horse- who at first was described as 'energetic'- tried to buck me off his back, so they sent him to time out and gave me another horse while we were already in the field! This was your first time riding a horse by yourself, and you did so well!
We did Archery... and although you didn't hit the target this time around, you had a lot of fun, and I was impressed that you were able to move forward so readily. You really are learning to roll with the punches!
I even got to go with you one time as well!
We also went down to the lake to do some boating...
...since boats were limited, you canoed with Mr. Kennedy, Hugh, and Christian. And when a kayak opened up, I jumped in and sped out to see you guys...and got my pants soaked in the process. Good thing I brought extra pants!
At this point in the day, after a late, late night the day before, you asked to take a nap. You tried, but ultimately decided to get up and do more...like a real Hiking Laser Bear!
It was a hike....and a climb...and a wait...and a bit daunting....
...but you bravely, excitedly, and ably rode a zip line for the first time. I was a bit nervous as it was my first time too, but I followed your bravery and we rode together...Once...
As the day slipped away and the sun gave way to the moon, there were burgers and s'mores, campfires and tired, tired boys...
...and I couldn't wait to for our next adventure!
We packed up the next day and headed home; we were both beat and tired and in need of sleep...but what an amazing adventure we had together. I cherish any time I spend with you, but there's something special about Daddy-and-me time; watching you grow, being there to try new things with you (including YMCA mess-hall enchiladas....surprisingly good!).
There was pain, sunny days, and rain....and smiles, and laughter, and an angry horse and an awesome zip line.
Hiking Laser Bears 4 Life!
