VBS

Today was Grace's very first day of VBS {Vacation Bible School}. Brian and I decided to send her this week for a number of reasons. The first reason was that this particular VBS is at her school. It would be a great introduction to what life will be like this fall. The second being that Grace's little neighborhood buddy and future preschool classmate, Taylor would be attending as well; so Grace would know someone and the last reason - It's important to start getting Grace used to being off on her own and give Lily some well deserved "mommy time"! {of course Lily slept instead!?}
Last night we ran into Taylor's family at the pool and the first thing Grace said when she saw Taylor was "I'm going to camp with you tomorrow!" Grace has been so very excited to go off on this new adventure with her friend! Then again this morning Grace woke up and announced on her way down the stairs {before evening saying good morning - before evening going potty for that matter} "Okay! I'm ready for summer camp!" - She cracks me up! Then in the car on our way she said all giddy and giggly - "I am so excited about going to camp with Taylor this morning!"

I knew once we go there and got out of the car she'd become a bit shy. I even tried to prepare myself for a few tears when I left - But I knew that once I left and things got started she would have a blast! At the registration table we learned that Miss Denise {her preschool teacher} was going to be her group leader this week. That was the best new to me! Now come August 12th Grace will already have formed some relationship and hopefully a bond with her teacher! Wheew! This is working out nicely!

Once in the chapel Grace was seated in the front row, given her name tag and upon looking around discovered Taylor was nowhere to be found – Uh-Oh... This might be a problem. I had planned to get out of the chapel as quickly as possible. I wanted my exit to be "like ripping off a band-aid" - Quickly as I could for both our sakes! It just seemed lingering with her would only serve to make my eventual exit that much more difficult {for both of us}. Trying to leave Grace without Taylor by her side proved emotional. She started to fight the tears and be brave which was killing me. Watching her "try" to be brave... {Keep it together Shelb!} Then after a big hug and assuring her it was going to be so much fun! The tears started to roll down her cheeks. {My heart!!!} Try to introduce her to a little girl a chair away, reassure her that Jayme {Jr. Counselor} was going to be so much fun... Grace is spiraling downward... Enter Taylor! Wheew!

As it turned out Taylor and Grace would not be in the same group with Grace. I wondered how that would be. Truthfully it might be the best possible scenario. Taylor also attending VBS was a bit of comfort but maybe Grace needs to be forced to make a few new friends. I hope she will. I left a happy and hugging couple of girlfriends. Rachael and I snapped a few parting photos and I tried to follow my friends lead, blow a kiss, mouth 'I love you' give a quick wave and walk out, strong, confident, quickly. I did and I knew that all would be okay.

Halfway to the car, my stiff upper lip was tested when Lily starting wailing "Gace..... Gace..... Where Gace??" Oh lord... Lily cried for Grace {Gace} all the way home. I had hope to run a few quick errands before finding something fun for Lily and me to do with our special time. Instead I brought Lily home. I have to admit that while I had hoped for an ecstatic Lily, I was touched at her love for her big sister! It's always been clear that Lily thinks Grace hung the moon. I hope that is something she always feels for her big sister!

When I got back to the school to pick Grace up I could see her group outside getting ready to line up. I couldn't pick her out of the group, but knew they were on their way in for the closing devotional before thay could be dismissed. I wanted to keep out of sight so as not to be a distraction. So I sat in the car and waited and watched. The group got up and attempted to form a line and one behind the other {sort of} they began to file into the school. There, toward the end of the line I finally spotted her - in pigtails, marching into the school - it was...emotional. I was so happy and so proud and so astounded at how grown up she looked! I would be lying if I didn't admit my eyes misted up a little.
Once in the chapel I found a happy little girl excited to tell me all about her morning - Just like I had hoped and deep down always knew I would find her!

Getting ready to get in the car and go....

A little nervous... Looking around for Taylor.

Taylor is finally here!

Everything's gonna be fine!