Making The Most Of His Opportunity

We got a call (on the way home from our beach trip) from the Middle States USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) offering Brady a thousand dollar scholarship to go to the Adidas Tennis Camp at Swarthmore College in Philadelphia.  Wow.  Brady didn't hesitate with his response...even after I reminded him that he wouldn't know anyone at this week long camp.  Brady didn't care about the details...he was all in.  I, on the other hand needed more details...especially the one about the age of the other campers my twelve year old would be sleeping in the dorms with.

It's a strange feeling to send your growing child off to camp on his own.  Last year was actually his first time away....but it doesn't get any easier.  I prayed that he would conduct himself in a way that would make us proud.    I prayed that he would make good choices, that he would have fun, that the older kids he would be around would be good kids, and that he would brush his teeth everyday!  

Brady amazes me in the fact that he is so confident and really doesn't worry about much of anything.  He doesn't get nervous about not knowing people or fitting in or being in an unfamiliar place.  He has said before that it is good to get out of your "comfort zone." I think he has learned this by being alone out on the tennis court.

We told Brady a couple of times that he really needed to make the most of this opportunity that was given to him.  How lucky was he to get asked to go to this camp for free?  Eric wrote Brady a letter before camp...and I took a picture of part of the letter where Eric is explaining what it actually means to make the most of this opportunity...

Eric and I arrived at camp a little early yesterday  to see Brady to watch some tennis   We could tell right away that Brady was having a great time and that he had made some really good friends.  And although one of the youngest campers, it was clear that Brady was heads above the others in his skill level.  

Brady was given the hardest worker award.   He was the first one on the court everyday and was always motivated to work hard.  The campers had to walk from their dorm across campus to the tennis courts.  Brady said instead of walking he ran to the courts every day.  I can't say I'm surprised  he was given this award.....but I am proud.  

He works hard....and that's why I believe he was chosen for this scholarship.

One important key to success is self-confidence.

An important key to self-confidence is preparation.

 -Arthur Ashe

June

What a busy month!
 I'm going to do a quick recap with pics from my phone.

Brady and his good friend Luke at the 6th grade picnic.

Brady and his other good friend Olivia.
Our two elementary schools got the 6th graders together for a picnic before they

head off to middle school in the fall.

Our last day walking into school/work together.  The last couple of weeks of school were hard

for me leading up to this day.  I will sure miss our car ride to and from school together everyday and
having him near me...and being able to keep an eye on him. ;)

A co-worker captured this moment.  I didn't know Brady put his arm

around me until I saw this picture.  :)

(And yes, he passed me in height a couple of months ago and has reminded

me of it everyday since!)

The morning of 6th grade graduation.

Love this kid.

Such a good group of kids....I'm going to miss seeing them everyday next year.

After graduation some of the kids and parents went to Friendly's for lunch.

Brady was in a really big tennis tournament.

I got a new iphone!  (kind of had to....mine died)

Washing the neighbor's car.

That same neighbor got two new chickens!

Eric and I did our annual Parade of Homes date!

We went to Ocean City, Maryland

We had perfect beach weather (HOT) all week!

I think we ended up spending more time at the pool than at the beach.

Brady's having lemonade...and Eric is talking to him about tips.

I was at the beach too. :)

Brady and I went to visit family in Ohio for a few days.  My mom's husband and my sister's

dad passed away (after a long illness) while we were on vacation.  Brady and I, and my sisters and 

our aunt spent one day working on my mom's yard, trimming shrubs, pulling weeds and planting flowers. I wish I had taken a picture afterwards.

Brady and I stayed at my Aunt Bonnie's house....my mom's house was full.

  My mom and Aunt grew up in this house and after my grandparents were gone, my aunt purchased it.  I think she has owned it now close to 36 years and has lived here almost all of her life.  This house is so familiar to me and brings back so many memories every time I step inside.  My aunt has it fixed up so cute and takes such pride in her home...I love it.

We brought Grandma back to Pennsylvania with us and tried to keep her busy.

We played lots of Scrabble and Dominoes, went for ice cream, had a cookout, went

to a big thrift store, watched Brady play tennis, went to bingo, out to dinner and just visited.

It was nice having her here...but she was anxious to get back home and back to work.

I can't believe it's the middle of July already!  

I hope you're enjoying your summer!

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