Jackson goes to camp.

Jackson went to camp this past week. This was his first real forray into camp life and something that came with some reasonable worry for all of us. I'll lower the drama level and mention it was a *DAY* camp. No sleeping over. We signed up for this in January and Jackson's been talking about it since. When we signed up we heard of features like boating, rock climbing, horseback riding and a slew of other activities. As the months passed coming closer, he worried about the kids, about being allergic to the great outdoors, bugs, finding our way to and from. He worried about horses... a lot.

The first day came and it was quiet as we drove.. I tried breaking the silence, telling him all the great things he'd do. When we pulled up, there were LOADS of kids and activity everywhere. To my absolute astonishment, Jackson hopped out of the car and said 'Let's rock!' He spent the week boating, climbing (get to the top and 'kiss the chicken!', running, playing games and working the art area over. His cheeks were deep pink each day when I picked him up... and every day he told me he didn't want to come home. He wanted to stay. Every morning he woke up and repeatedly asked 'is it time to go yet?' It was great, as was Jackson's counselor Brenden (a kid from the area who is now enrolled at UCLA.... Jackson affectionately termed him 'Hollywood' for the week).

Most amazing was Jackson's conquered fear of horses - seriously. He transformed from a kid most afraid to a kid who didn't want to leave his horse. I was shocked. Coming out of the week I'm so proud of what just happened. It was so much fun to see him so happy every single day... I do believe camp grew him.

The week was such a success that he'll definitely go back... and he and Brenden tag-teamed up the last day to tell me they have an overnight version that he can attend next year. Oh boy....

Summa~summa~summatime.

Why is a flying kid always funny?