A Hail Mary for Michael

We dropped Michael off today for a week of leadership church camp at Legendary Lodge.  I think this is the 5th year that he's attended camp at Legendary Lodge, located on beautiful Salmon Lake, but this his his first year of leadership camp and his first year attending without his big brother Joseph.  Joseph wanted to go, but he had driver's ed this summer instead (growing up is a drag).  Anyway, Michael was more than a little bit nervous as the day for camp arrived; he even asked if it was too late to cancel and get our money back!  He also is still recovering from a flu-like virus, and isn't quite feeling 100%  So, please say a Hail Mary for our Michael, that he is able to give his anxieties to the Lord and receive whatever graces God has planned for him this week.  It was hard for me to walk away and leave him at camp today, but I need to trust that even though I can't always be there to take care of him, his Heavenly Mother can.  Yes, Michael is in very good hands.  Maybe it's me you should say the Hail Mary for!  :}

If you look closely, you might see a white cross on the top of the mountain.

The campers usually take a hike to this cross during the week,

and some of the over-achievers get up early in the morning 

to race the young, athletic priest to the top.

So far I don't think anyone has beat Fr. Lennamon, 

but I'm sure Michael would love to try! :)

Michael's little brothers following him to his cabin to help him get settled.

Michael is in the Coyote cabin this year,

and he was super happy to be one of the first ones to pick his sleeping spot.

He found a tiny room with only 2 bunk beds and saved spots for his best buddies :)

One final picture before we said our goodbyes to Michael.

The house will feel weird this week without him.

In a couple of weeks, Dominic will head to camp for the first time!

My babies are growing up!

Hopefully Michael won't run into any mermaids 

or the mythical "swamp monster" that they say roams the area ;)