Navajoland, Notes and New Musings.

This July, I went away from Langston for the first time. I mean, both Gene and I had one night apart from him a while ago when we prepped for an early morning departure for a CAST event the next day, but this was the first real time away. Once again, youth group was the reason - I had the teens' annual servant project (mission trip) at the beginning of the month. So, for 9 days, I was on the Navajo Reservation while Daddy and Baby had some father son bonding time. It was tough, but definitely not as hard as I thought it would be. I think because the trip is an annual one and I know what to expect and the the places, people and landmarks are old friends, I was at a sort of home away from home and we kept busy so the "missing" time was down to a minimum. If it had been a new scene with new folks, I am sure I would have been much more homesick.

Now, don't get me wrong - I missed both of the men in my life a ton! But, the 9 days went by without incident, I skyped a little bit (very little with the time change) and shared stories and pics with some of my trip mates and the time went by. I got a very lovely email from my husband about how under-appreciated I am and how a lot of things I do around the house and for my family go unnoticed. It was perhaps the sweetest note I have ever received.

They had a great week, too. By all accounts, things went smoothly. The daycare teachers were very impressed and, I think, sweetly amused by Gene's earnest desire to do everything just right - give the boy balanced lunches, make sure he had everything he needed, etc. I had laid out ten or so days worth of outfits including something for the 4th of July and church on Sunday (and a couple of back ups just in case!) So all Daddy had to do was find shoes! I think that made it easier on the both of them in the mornings.

We don't have a ton of photos from this time, but I wanted to post it for the record. Here are a few shots Daddy took of Langston being enthralled by a mop and some video of the boys' time!

The youth group trip was outstanding - we accomplished a lot and learned a lot. It was one of the best summer trips I have ever taken with the teens. We really had an amazing time. And, of course I could tell I was missed by two very important Brown men, so it was a win-win all around!


daddy's talking up a storm!


langston's talking up a storm!