Camp Hobé

What an incredible place. "Camp Hobé is a special summer camp experience designed for children currently being treated for cancer and their siblings. Our mission is to create an atmosphere that enhances self-esteem, fosters independence and friendships, and creates a sense of belonging." Last year Lilly went to Day Camp because she had a broken foot. She was excited and nervous all at the same time to go to Kids Week for 5 days this year! But, she's so glad she did! 

Here's her cabin. She got to room with 8 other girls and 2 counselors and 2 CITs. (counselors in training) She said she got along great with all of them.

One of Lilly's favorite things to do is look for wildlife. We quickly spotted this woodpecker who was yelling at us because we were too close to her babies. Lilly also saw a few deer wander into camp. 

One of Lilly's hopes was that she would get to be in the same cabin as her friend Danica. And it all worked out! Thanks to Danica for making Lilly's camp experience such a positive one! I'm hoping Emery will want to go to Day Camp next year. Lilly also brought a lot of her own food because of her food aversions. But, the cook said Lilly did really well at trying a lot of the foods they had there. I'm so proud of her! Now if only she'd do that at home too... I asked Lilly how she did sleeping at night. She hasn't had a sleepover in the last 2 1/2 years so she was a little worried to be up there without her mom. She said the first night she was sad and teary, but the other nights she was so tired from playing so hard that she went right to sleep! On Facebook, Camp Hobé would occasionally send pictures of the kids and all the fun stuff they did: swimming, yoga, archery, zip line, crafts... But, for whatever reason, Lilly wasn't in any of the pictures!! I was a worried mom most of the week wondering if she was having a miserable time and not participating in any of the activities. I guess she was just not around the person taking pictures because she said she had so much fun! Phew!

Reunited and it feels so good!! Lilly came running down the road to meet us when we picked her up from camp. It filled my heart with joy to see her so happy! Yesterday was also my birthday, and it was the best present ever to get to pick my Lilly up from camp. I missed her a lot! 

The theme of Camp Hobé this year was Hobé Olympic Games. We got to watch each cabin do a cheer and some of the counselors performed a synchronized swimming routine. Fun!

She's dirty. She's exhausted. But she made some great memories and she had FUN! 

Lilly got to know Hazel's sister Emme better while up at camp. Lilly and Emme were in the same cabin. I see a play date in our near future! Cute cute girls!!

On our way home, we decided to drive up and over Butterfield Canyon. It was a beautiful drive!

After Lilly got home it took a lot of convincing (and Tylenol) to get her in the shower because she was so exhausted. Her legs were so so sore. Sounds like we need to start some physical therapy again soon. After her shower she laid on my lap and I played with her hair and she was OUT for the night! What a sweet girl! I love you Lilly! So glad you had such a great time at camp!