Coming Back On the Grid
Lucy on the lake.
If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you know that my two “middles” spent almost the entire summer off the grid. They were away at summer camp for 7 weeks, with no phones, no social media. Just good, old-fashioned fun and outdoors.
They both had a blast and I missed them terribly, of course. And they grew physically and in ways you can’t see while they were away.
And then they came back. I’m not sure what I was expecting when they both returned, right as school was starting. There wasn’t really a “down” time for them to get back into the swing of things. There was no time for them to get back on the grid. They landed at 8:40 p.m. and we got home around 10 p.m. on the day school started (missing the first day), then were at school the next morning.
The funny thing is, both Charlie and Lucy just kind of melted back into our family and their social lives. There was no explosion of stories and “You’ll never believes.” Sure, we’ve heard our share of stories since they came back. And it’s been a little chaotic trying to get everyone ready for school–while half of the kids were across the country. But it’s been just perfect.
Learning Independence
Shortly after getting to camp at the beginning of the summer, Lucy received a letter from a friend that was in an ATV accident. The friend was fine, but it shook Lucy a bit. She was upset and wanted to call home, but I never received the email from the camp that she wanted to talk to me.
Charlie enjoying some lake time, as usual!
As a result, Lucy had to deal with her sadness and emotions on her own. It would be easy for me to feel bad that I wasn’t there for her, but the reality is that her friend was fine. And Lucy learned how to take care of her emotions and talk it out with someone else. It was a great learning experience for her.
Lucy is also a picky eater, and I was worried about her adjusting to the camp’s food. Of course, she came home a picky eater also, but she didn’t go hungry. She found what she could eat and enjoyed it without complaint.
Growing Up and Getting Along
Molly missed both Charlie and Lucy (but particularly Lucy).
Get any siblings together and they’re going to fight from time to time. I’ve been lucky that my kids have always gotten along pretty well, most of the time. But I was expecting a few fights when the middles returned.
Molly has definitely gotten her share of attention, with Charlie and Lucy away. I thought there might be a little push-back from her, but she was so excited to see her brother and sister–Lucy particularly. And Lucy has been so great with Molly. More patient, more helpful.
Charlie and Jack seem to be bonding more too. Charlie’s matured quite a bit this summer and they’re not that far apart in age.
It’s so nice to have the whole gang back together again. I love my crazy, chaotic life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now the big question is: How long will they go to camp next summer? I’m glad I have an entire school year to think about that!
