Quick Trip to College Station

The boys had EFY (Especially For Youth) in College Station this week.  College Station is 7 hours away.  I took the boys and Brian will drive up at the end of the week to bring them home.  

Brian and I really wanted them to have the EFY opportunity this summer.  Any time they can feel the spirit, hear amazing speakers and meet with other LDS youth is  something that will benefit them now and in the future.  We are so small here in Odessa.  I want them to know there are many, many strong, fun members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I want them to know they are not alone.  I especially want them to know for themselves the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The boys weren't too sure about going.  Parker has gone twice before and had a great time.  He has come home wanting to do better and be better.  However, finding a week he was willing to go was tricky.  He only had three weeks that worked around his summer football workout schedule, and only one of those weeks had an EFY session in Texas.  He didn't really want to be gone over the 4th of July but it was the only week that really worked.

Tanner is more reserved.  It takes him awhile to acclimate to new situations.  I tiptoed around getting the okay from him but once he agreed we signed both boys up.  As it got closer, he got more nervous and more vocal about NOT going.  Too late bud.  Sorry, not sorry.    

It was a long trip but the boys downloaded the Arrow and watched almost nonstop all the way there.  I did talk Parker into driving for a couple of hours so I could get a break.  I listened to a few different things there and back: Way of Kings, The Heart of a Vicar, a podcast called "All In" and some Hamilton music I could jam to when I needed to be more awake! 

They sat in the very back.  Notice the Ipad propped in the middle seat.

It was fun just being with the boys.  We ate out at Chuy's.  Park and I both stood at our tall table because we were tired of sitting all day.  We all needed to get some energy out.  We swam together, and Park and I raced some.  He won.  Tanner wanted to race me after I was out and totally dry.  Turkey boy.  We did do some stair races too.  We were on the 6th floor so that helped everyone move a little before the Arrow marathon continued.  

Not the best pictures but I have to be sneaky or there would be no pictures.

 More Arrow.  They were starting to get bleary eyed.

It's been interesting to hear Bryn and Park discuss their paychecks.   Park is annoyed about the amount taken out each week.  Brinley is more resigned.  She said, "I just think of it as I am making $14 and hour instead of $15."  They are both loving the freedom of having plenty of money and their own bank accounts.  Park bought new shoes the day before we left.  We heard a lot about his "jewels" and they had a prominent and protected place on the desk in the hotel room.  He also brought an extra duffle bag on this trip...filled with shoes.  He is only there 5 days.  Crazy kid.  

The next morning, before EFY check-in at 11:00, I headed to the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.  The boys were not interested in going.  I think Tanner would enjoy things like that if he would allow himself to.  He likes history.  Maybe one day.  Anyway, it was interesting, and I am really glad I went.  I appreciated learning more of the Bush's family values and service oriented way of life.  It was interesting remembering political events he was involved in when he served as VP and President.  (Berlin Wall coming down, the Gulf War etc....)  There are two other Presidential libraries in Texas and now I am curious to see them.  Too bad we were in Austin two weeks ago and I didn't realize the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential library happens to be there.  

Replica of the Oval office.

As I was dropping them off both boys were worrying about who would be their roommate.  Parker said it best, "I hope there are some smoke'n hot girls and my roommate is cool."  Last night we heard briefly from both.  Parker likes his roommate and there are some cute girls.  His counselor served in the same mission as Joseph.  Tanner said his roommate is super weird.  He is always eating candy and on a sugar high.  He did say his counselor is cool.  I hope the boys both settle in and have an AMAZING week at EFY.

We parked and walked about 3 blocks to check in and then another 3 blocks to their dorms.  It was hot and humid and I was glad these two took care of their luggage.  After getting them settled, I was very turned around.  I had no idea were I parked the car.  I wandered a little and started to panic some too.  I texted Parker and let him know I might need his help.  He said he hadn't paid attention to were we parked.  I said a little prayer and about 30 seconds later I head "Erin!  Hi!!"  It was a friend who used to live in Odessa, Katie Jordan.  We had a little visit and she helped me find the correct parking garage.  She really was a sweet answer to my prayer.

Checking in.