Friday, August 11, 2017

Greystone - The first run!

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Ernest and Shirley are amazing hosts for Greystone drop off and pick up!  They took Margaret and me to the Biltmore house, which we she wanted me to try to pawn off to the boys as their house.

There's an incredible wooden exhibit now complete with several trains plus scenes of Paris and London.




And, apparently, the night before tradition is to pick up Krispie Kreme's on the way home for breakfast...and maybe one for dessert, too:-)

And then frozen yogurt, too??? Why go to camp if you could just visit 
Uncle Ern and Shirley?
 "Here we are at camp again, where each camper wears a grin.  
Greystone, you're the best, you belong to me."

So fun to have the Coons there, too, dropping off sweet Ella!


Stunning flowers by Tentalow 2.

Tentalow Lower One!  Perfect spot for a 6-year-old.

Comforting to know that there was a familiar face at camp, though within 5 minutes of being in her cabin, Margaret was all "Come on, ____.  Let's go____.  Mom, would you please GO!?!"

I always loved that there was Tetherball right beside T1. 

Top bunk, just like home:-)  


There were SO many friends that I ran into opening day that I left with a smile on a face.  Helped knowing that Margaret was so eager and confident.  But I will admit there were tears as we drove in...my tears.  So very many times I was on the other side of this, and now to be the Mom.  Could I only stay?!?  Many friends from my day have managed a way to stay on staff that I couldn't help but feel jealous.  It's truly amazing how many people have created lives surrounding their ability to remain involved in impacting the Greystone girls.  What a blessing...for them, the girls, and the staff.  

 ________________________
And then I blinked and was back in Asheville 
with the boys en route to get Margaret.  


After Shirley's wonderful tour of the first floor, she suggested a "mean face" and then she and Uncle Ern didn't comply.  The kids are learning their grandparent sense of humor:-)  

 Of course Matthew LOVED the various trains at the wooden exhibit. 








 Pick-Up!  I got a sweet smile as we approached the front porch only to be followed by, "Where's Dad??".  At least she was still being herself. 

Then I walked in and was greeted by sweet Joanne and Raby.  Joanne had tears in her eyes and barely managed to get out, "Margaret is a special little girl.  She was so sweet and compassionate with the others.  Whenever someone was feeling sad or homesick, she would rub their back and say, "Come on! Let's go ____."  Of course I teared back, thankful that these counselors got our Martin Luther King, Jr. award winning characteristics of Margaret instead of the hard head we sometimes get at home.  So incredibly grateful for these women and the impact that they had on Margaret!   
 My favorite early morning spot at camp.


Warms my heart to know that Margaret now has some slight clue why Greystone is so incredibly important to me.  That's about all I can get out right now through my own joyful tears.   

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