On Monday, June 10, poor Michael did not pass go. He did not collect $200. He went directly to BYU Football camp the next morning after we got back from Florida. The fact that it was a BYU football camp made it okay, but he was tired. First, we went to the Stadium to get him checked in and pick up his packet, bag, and water bottle.
Then, we headed over to Helaman Halls to check him into his dorm. After getting a briefing on rules and things, he got his room key and we headed up some stairs to get him all settled. I made his bed for him.
I was amazed that this chair was still in the BYU dorms. We had the same chairs when we were freshman at BYU over 20 years ago!
After he was sort of settled, I took him over to a field near the stadium for his camp. I said good-bye and off he went, no looking back.
On Thursday, Gabe got to go to a BYU Football camp as well, but he didn't get to stay in the dorms. Something about only being 8 years old? I did sign him up for the morning and afternoon camp, so I dropped him off in the morning on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and picked him up later in the afternoon. The camp provided him with lunch everyday, and he was excited that he got to eat at least one of them in the Stadium.
On the last day of camp, we got pictures with Coach Kilani Sitake. Coach Sitake signed his shirt, his gloves, and his football. He also ended the camp with a really inspirational pep talk.
Gabe also got autographs from some of the players. Neither one of us knew who they were, but here they are:
Gabe had a great time at camp as well.
When I dropped him off, I was amazed by how many parents and grandparents brought camp chairs to watch the proceedings all day. I had a "This is Stupid" moment, tears stinging my eyes as I realized that my dad would have done that. He'd camp out in a chair all day to watch his grandson at a BYU football camp. He would have been so happy, and I missed him so much.
The next Monday, we were back at BYU, this time for FSY (For the Strength of Youth). We went to the Marriott Center to check in, and then to Heritage Halls to get him settled in his dorm. I haven't been in these new dorms; they built them after we left, tearing down the Heritage Halls that Brian and I had met at to make room for these new ones. The hall Michael stayed in was pretty close to where we met.
He really enjoyed the classes, and I feel like it was a turning point for him spiritually. He didn't love the guys in his apartment; he thought they were weird.
I again helped him make his bed, took him over to the creamery to pick up some snacks, and he had a little time to kill, so we went over to the Wilkinson Center, and then he ended up walking back to his dorm (traffic was a bit of a nightmare with all the parents dropping off their kids!)
Brian and I picked him up late Friday night because Michael thought there was no point in staying there just to wake up super early, pack up, and then deal with the crowds and traffic to get out of there. There were no more activities, so we thought it was a good idea too. The trick was just finding the right people to call to check him out., but we eventually located him. We were so enthusiastic to share our BYU experiences with him regarding things on campus that we annoyed him quite a bit. I greatly regret not just shutting my mouth and just let him tell us about everything. We'll be better next time, Michael. I'm so glad you got to go to FSY.
I can't believe how fast my kids are growing, and I'm so proud of these boys!
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