LLFC - Day 1: Zip Lining & Rock Climbing

After breakfast and devotionals Monday morning, Blake, Carter, Megan and I went zip-lining. Addison stayed back with Ella to do wet clay arts and crafts since they were too young and weighed too little for zip-lining. It was sweet that Addison even made a little clay heart-shaped bowl of Delaney.

Zip-lining across the canyon edge with the water below was the perfect way to start the trip. I told myself before we even got here, that I was going to intentionally live in the moment, especially with the more adventurous activities. I have found myself more easily sitting back, for instance, on roller coasters at Sea World and tube rides at the lake and I don't want that pattern to continue here. 

We were so proud of Carter and setting him embrace his more adventurous side. He didn't show any nerves at all while zip lining and even led the entire group of the six of us. Blake and I agreed that we didn't know if he would have had this same confidence, just a year ago. At 10 years old, Carter continues to be very scheduled and constantly asking, "what's next?" during the first 24 hours. We kept talking to him about "living in the moment" and not worrying about tomorrow. We will see how that message resonates for the rest of the week. (Need to get zip lining pics from Megan P.)

The kids thought getting the honor of ringing the bell before meals was one of the best "little" things. We had time for a little break for frisbee golf.

The afternoon activity was the rock wall and one of the only activities where all 10 of us Perkins and Browns got to be together doing the same thing. 

Delaney was hesitant to give the smaller rock wall a try, getting nervous if she was much more than 4 feet off the ground but we are so happy that she experienced it. 

I loved that Carter and Addison got to to see that climbing a rock wall is similar to doing a puzzle and when they feel stuck, others on the ground can help them see options that aren't necessarily clear to them in that moment and at their angle. Another life lesson demonstrated so perfectly here at LLFC.

Addison's determination to ring the bell was achieved three times! She was quick to point out that 2 of the 3 were on the same route. It was exciting that both myself and Blake got to ring the bell too. 

Later that same afternoon, we took the impromptu opportunity to take the canoes out exploring the Frio river front. The water front was super fun and Delaney eventually realized that she can swim in the big river and was the very last one there swimming back and forth to her daddy, that afternoon.

Before dinner, we worked not the family project making a sign out of different odds and ends. The kid's hung it in their hide-out, once they got home.

One of my biggest memories from this day, was after dinner and at round-up. It brought tears to my eye watching Addison this evening in her element on the dance floor and making sure everyone was having fun. She has such love and natural gift of inclusion, of those around her. It was one of my favorite memories of getting to connect with her, too, and help her recognize the gifts God has bestowed on her.

That evening was the big "Glow-in-the-dark Cheerio and Water Ballon Race." Blake and I sat outdoors by the camp fire and just talked. We didn't tell the kids any particular time they had to be in and they eventually came back at a reasonable hour but stayed up in Carter's bed writing down all their evidence from the camp mystery game.