I was surprised to receive so many pictures from the dads throughout the weekend. Based on the departure picture, I wasn't sure if we would get ANY!! The dads pulled through!! (Probably because the mommies were a little vocal about sending pictures!!)
Packing for the trip was a challenge! They needed to take bedding/sleeping bags, and several additional items. I tried to keep Landon's things as organized as possible for him I knew dad would be there to help, but they still need a mother's touch, even when far away from home! One of the items they said they needed was fishing equipment and tennis rackets! We called an audible and passed on the tennis rackets because they were having to pack all this into a suitcase. I did manage to talk Shannon into checking a bag for the trip. This is the man who can travel 2 weeks in Asia in a carry-on. He despises checked bags!!! I talked him into ONE checked bag for the both of them. That was my challenge...get them packed for a three day weekend, including bedding/pillows, towels etc., and keep it under 50 pounds. I took on the challenge and let me say, the bag weighed 50.0 pounds at the ticket counter!! #precision 
We were trying to get a picture of the whole group before they left. The moms were afraid this was going to be the only picture we got all weekend. Due to some other travel schedules from some moms, some hungry boys, we didn't get a picture before they got through security. To be honest, I wasn't sure it would happen at that point.... But the dads managed to make it happen. I'm not sure it didn't have something to do with the fact that one mom was also traveling that day so she was able to get past security and just so happened her flight was leaving from the same gate as the boys on the flight before them. She said she announced to the gate passengers that the boys were REQUIRED to get a picture before they left!! Here is the group of dads who took their sons on this adventure. I hope and pray that they made some amazing memories, and that the boys will remember this trip for years to come!! Since I think one of the moms is making a photobook, it will probably be remembered for a while. Shannon didn't disappoint. From the get-go he was sending pictures...he knows!! These first two pictures made me smile. First one, because I'm so thankful for Shannon and his passion to share and show Landon what it means to be a man of God, to live out his faith, and be an example for our son so he can have someone to look up to and model himself after. Landon loves his dad and they have a great relationship. I pray that weekends like this help build those memories for him. Aside from the day to day, it's these special times they can bond.
The second picture makes me smile because it is EXACTLY what I would have expected from Landon. I was not the least bit surprised to see this picture come across my phone! Landon may be only the 2nd person in history to read emergency response card from the airplane seat pocket. That's my boy... I love him!!!!
I'm going to upload a lot of the pictures that the boys sent home during the weekend with little explanations (as I understand them). But, I want to start with this video. Landon is deathly afraid of heights. He is a "toe dipper" and doesn't jump into ANYTHING lightly. He has been trying to work himself up to the zip line at Camp Thurman every summer for the past three years. He inches a little higher on the Tarzan Swing each term (he goes twice a summer). In 6 terms at CT he has gone from refusing to get on, to getting on at the lowest level, to incing up to about half-way to the top. When he heard there was an option for a zip line at Alpine Camp he said he was going to try and do it. I prayed that he would ether be comfortable and confident enough to do it, or comfortable or confident to stand up and say he wasn't doing it, and not be embarrassed. He was confident enough!
I was in tears when this came across a text message from Dad. I was so proud!! He was so proud of himself too, which is worth so much more!!
Here are some other pictures of the weekend. Looks like they had a great time!!
All the boys made it safely on Friday afternoon. Here they are waiting for dinner. They forgot about the time change (their flight landed in the Eastern Time Zone, and then they unknowingly drove across the imaginary time zone line and back into Central. So, they thought they were 30 minutes LATE to dinner, and ended up being 30 minutes EARLY!! It's like that Sunday morning when you forgot to turn your clocks back!!
The first evening was an awesome time making s'mores around the campfire.
Breakfast on Saturday! Everyone looks well-rested and hungry!!!
Gladiator Ball...a tradition... Seems like its a lot like Slap Dodgeball from Camp Thurman. Landon did get the first (and only one I think) injury during this game. The object of this game is to slap a small ball across the "arena" and try to "tag" the other players (like dodgeball) but below the knees. Landon took a big huge swipe at the ball and consequently scraped his knuckles across the concrete. He's got the bloody knuckles and a fake story to go with it!! Something about a huge bear, and he saved everyone's life!! :)
Archery - Landon shot a 45 out of 50!!
On the last night it rained...and rained...and rained... The boys hung out in the cabin and played some card games...
Such a great group of men and boys. So thankful they had the opportunity to do this. Hopefully there are many more weekends and adventures!!
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