Picking Hadley up from K-Kountry

I have been looking forward to this day ALL week! It was finally time to pick up Hadley and I was just giddy! 

We tried to decide if it would be a complete disaster to take Hudson with us. Of course, we wanted to since he was SO excited to see Hadley but I was nervous that 5 hours in the car to sit through a bunch of ceremonies, only to get right back in the car would be a little too much for him. But Matt found a Ninja Warrior gym (Hudson and Matt's favorite show) on the way to camp and about 30 minutes outside of camp. Since we didn't have to pick up Hadley until 5:00 it gave us plenty of time to drive up there, play for a while, and then head over to Kanakuk. Hudson was so excited in the car. He is constantly setting up a "ninja warrior" obstacle course in the house and would love to compete someday! He has his favorite people he cheers for and knows so much about the show. 

We got to the gym and there was a birthday party going on but we were still able to pay $10 and each of us try out the equipment. And when I say "each of us" what I really mean is Matt and Hudson. I was just there to take pictures! They had a smaller warped wall for kids and a regulation size wall for adults (and I guess kids if they could do it). Hudson was the smallest kid in there but so determined to do the wall. He didn't even get very close and got frustrated several times but just kept trying and trying. He was able to complete a few other obstacles though and had so much fun. He also loved cheering on his daddy which impressed us with all he could do! 

After leaving the gym we still had about an hour to kill before picking up Hadley. We drove onto the main strip in Branson and decided to stop and ride some go-karts. Hudson was able to drive (with his daddy's help) and loved racing everyone else.  We also did the bumper boats and played lots of games inside. He was pretty worn out and ready to go get his sister by the time we were done. 

We got to Kamp about 30 minutes early and waited in a line for quite a while but people were quickly piling in behind us. My heart was racing when they opened the gates and let us come inside. It was a long walk (not really, just felt like it) as we followed the crowd in to come find our little girl. But she was right there waiting for us and I quickly saw her running toward us. She had the biggest smile on her face and ran and jumped in my arms. My eyes filled up with tears and her hug felt better than it ever had. She quickly jumped down, hugged her daddy for a long time and then embraced Hudson. She told him she missed him and he said, "I already forgot your voice." He was so happy to see his big sister again!

We made our way to the food where they had prepared a BBQ dinner for us and we sat on the grass and talked about her week. She was talking 90 mph and could barely concentrate as she was looking around for her friends to introduce us to and pointing out all her counselors. We went to the Kamp store, picked out a blanket and some clothes, and they soon called us back to our separate cabins so we could watch our kampers be given their awards.

Hadley was given the Friendship award by her counselors, Paris Hutchison, Lauren Greenwood, and Courtney Crawford. She was recognized for her qualities of contentment and loyalty. Their description was written "Hadley is a friend that loves others, even when it may be hard to. Her loyalties run deep and she extends grace to all. Hadley is satisfied in Christ and knows that her joy comes from Him." I love and am not at all surprised this was her award. She is always such a great friend and can literally make friends with ANYONE.

Hadley and her friends from Barn 3. Hadley is a Kiowa. So fun!

Good thing she's young! I think my back would not have survived a week in her barn!

After getting a quick tour of her barn we got in the car to head home (or partway). We decided to drive to Joplin assuming the kids would sleep in the car and our drive would be much shorter the next day. We questioned the plan when they were both crying about being so hungry and wouldn't even lay down. But a quick trip to sonic, full bellies, and a little ice cream settled them down for them to pass out the rest of the 2 hour drive.  We woke up for breakfast the next morning and hit the road by 10am. It ended up being a great plan!

Here are some pics posted on the Kanakuk website the following day. The first pic is just of us in the background but the second pic may be one of my all-time favorites. I LOVE that huge smile on Hudson's face as he swa Hadley for the first time!

Kanakuk was a huge success and Hadley loved it. She said she can't wait to go back but still isn't quite sure she can handle 2 weeks. We may stick with 1 week for another year at least....I'm not sure mommy could handle 2 weeks either. I know next year will be easier but I spent every single day of her being gone worried if she was having fun. She was my first thought when I woke up and all throughout the day. I know she had so much spiritual growth this year and it was a wonderful experience so hopefully next year I can rest a little better!