Girl's camp

I completely forgot about girls camp. This is what happens when I take pictures on my nice camera and not just my phone. Girls camp was the first full week of June.

Girl's camp this year was at Heber Valley camp for Girls. It's a church owned camp and each girl should be able to go once in their 6 years of being in young women's. It wasn't the case when I was in young women's, but as an adult I've gone twice.

Our theme was collegiate, Girls Camp University. Each was was a different College. We were the College of Knowledge and to show our true color we got sweat wrist and headbands along with long tube socks for the girls. They were very excited about those. I have to admit they were a lot of fun.

Our first day was an easy one. We got to the camp and we unloaded our gear. When we were ready we had lunch and then we went to meet the camp host and camp missionaries. When they were done giving us the rules our stake leaders put on a skit for us to introduce the theme for camp. Then us camp director's joined them for another skit, just for fun. I have to admit it was a blast. It was a skit to music that we all lip synced to.

When we were done with those we headed to the lake for our hour there. Each of the girls that wanted to they had canoes and paddle boats. Those that didn't want to they had a volleyball net. You could tell that all of the girls were having a lot of fun. When we were done there it was time for some ward time and for the 4th year girls to get there stuff ready for their overnighter.

Our ward time was a craft of decorating the door set up by the stake leaders. Then the 4th year girls left and we headed down for dinner. After dinner we had a nightly devotional and then the rest of the night was our own.

The next morning brought the hike. We ate breakfast and got our packs ready and off we went. I was surprised it didn't really seem that long. There were a few parts that were hard, a steep terrain, but overall it actually wasn't that bad. The leader in charge did get lost once or twice so we had plenty of rest stops. We even saw some moose, twice. Once was a male, and the second time was a mother and her calf. It was funny to watch the girls play telephone down the line telling each other to be quiet as they passed. Once we reached the top we sat down and had lunch. After we were done we headed back down. Heading back always seems to go a lot faster and this was no different.

When we got back to camp we had free time. Many girls took a nap or a shower while we waited for the next activity, which sadly for them was certification. We each split up into our assigned years and went through the certification we were assigned to teach. Ours were easy but the other ward we were working with had a hard time. Their were ways to start a fire. They were prepared but the fire just wouldn't start. We eventually got things started, but we were definitely the last group to end with certification.

When we were done with certification we had a few minutes to get cleaned up before it was time for dinner. Once we were done with dinner we had 30 minutes to prepare our improv skit and then headed down to the amphitheater to perform. Each ward was given the same three props, an exercise ball, a noodle, and a plunger. Each skit also had to go around their college. So our girls decided to do knowledge in a gym or something like that. It was hilarious. Each ward did an amazing job with only having 30 minutes to prepare. Once the skits were done they did the nightly devotional and then it was off to bed.

The next morning was a slower morning. we started the day with service projects. When it was time for our service project to start we each gathered in our assigned areas. We were rotating taking turns either doing Heber's assigned service, the camp director's service (craft projects for primary children's hospital) or free time with our ward. We did our free time first which was a game our youth leaders put together. A getting to know you game. We split into two lines and using a timer we asked questions. It was supposed to be like speed dating. Jen did a really good job talking about how important it is to listen and to communicate one with another because that is something some of our girls really have a hard time doing. When we were done there, we headed to the camp director assigned service, the craft packets for primary children's. Each girl was to put together a craft packet that the kids at the hospital could put together while they're stuck in a bed. Then we rotated to the Heber assigned service. We went with three missionaries where we helped cut and stack wood. The wood spliters were awesome and the girls were having a blast despite actually performing service.

When we were done it was time to finish up any certification that we had left. Luckily it was just mainly signing off girls books, which is very easy. Then the girls could do whatever. Our girls played games. They were taught some games I think it was Monday night before Family Home Evening. The had a blast and decided they wanted to play again. A lot of other girls from the other wards joined them as well.

After dinner we had our value walk. Well we called it our alumni walk. We had 8 sister from Church History come and talk to the girls about them and how they did what they did. Each women of value did a great job. It was a very spiritual night. By far my favorite value walk of all time. At the end each of the girls had ribbons and made a bookmark with the pictures of the women they met. It was a great ending to our day.

Thursday was our fun day. We first started the day with a trip up to the challenge courses. Half of our girls went to one course and the other half went to another. The leaders weren't allowed to go through the course with the girls because they were to figure things out for themselves. Myself and a few other leaders that didn't have an assignment hung out at the zip line and the end of the challenge course. If there was time the leaders were allowed to do the zip line. I didn't really want to so I helped harness the girls instead. I was impressed at many of the girls, especially the ones that did not want to go. The found the courage to do it anyways and tackled their fears. It was a good experience for all. When we were done we headed back down in enough time for lunch.

The older group of girls took much longer then anticipated to do their challenge course so the younger girls got a little bit more free time. They played games or napped. When the older girls got back it was time for our ward time. Our youth leaders wanted to do a journal. So we brought notebooks and scrapbook paper and the girls were able to design and cover their own journal. I have to admit, that was a lot of fun. When we were done we went down for our stake craft activity, Book of Mormon covers and family history necklaces. Again this was all done in rotations. It seemed to work really well when we rotated.

When we were finally cleaned up and done with crafts, we got the pavilion ready for our bishopric visitors. Not at many came up as I thought, but there was still a good crowd. After dinner was done, Mercy River came to perform. They are a singing group of three moms that are LDS trying to survive life just like the rest of us. They were really down to earth. I like them a lot and their music was great. After they left we arranged the seat and had our testimony meeting. It was very interesting because we didn't want it to be a long drawn out thing like they always tend to be. They told the girls that they each had 60 seconds to give a Christ centered testimony. It turned out great. A lot of girls that you wouldn't normally see share their testimony did and it was nice not to hear the travel log of every teenager. Not everyone that went up was under 60 seconds, but it was pretty dang close and all that wanted to shared their testimony. When it was over we said goodbye to our bishop's wife and headed back for some smores.

Friday morning brought your traditional clean up and go. It was fast. Ours girls got in their cleaned up their assigned areas and we were ready to go home. It was a long week, but a fun one at that.

Hole

I've tried to minimize the mess in the toy room and have started rotating toys. It has helped out a lot not to have all the toys in the toy room. Sadly this makes Ben's "office" stocked with all the toys that aren't in the toy room. 

One of the toys shoved in the "office" is Gabbi's kitchen. When Ben's working on school work, William always has to be with him. He will go in their and play quietly with the kitchen and the food. It always surprises me how well he plays. 

On this occasion I was also helping Ben brain storm. While I was in there William had found a fun place to play, the oven of the kitchen set. I was impressed that he actually fit inside. He couldn't shut the door, and he couldn't stay in there very long, but he had a blast climbing in and out for hours. 

Miranda's softball tournament

We were lucky enough to be able to attend one of Miranda's tournaments close to home. She only had two that were close enough to make sure we went. This one was in Brigham City. Sadly it didn't last long. 

She played the first game early in the morning and then they went straight into the second, which was when we showed up. We were able to watch the majority of that game. Miranda had a great hit and even an assist with a double play. They won which advanced them to the next round. 

They then had a small lunch break which we then decided to drive into the city to eat. We tried a Chinese place that a friend of Ben's recommended. The food was great, but the service was extremely slow. I was annoyed the whole time at how slow it was and worried that we'd be late or worse miss her game completely. That didn't make Ben very happy that I was so annoyed, but we finished our lunch and headed back to the park.

Ben took the kids to the park so he could read his chapter for school while watching the kids and he let me watch the game. Again they played great. The came in second place for that weekends tournament.

Drive-in

We have not done as many trips to the drive-in this year as we have done in the past. It saddens me a little too because we love to watch movies. This year there just hasn't been good enough movie lineups. But every once in a while they will have one good enough for us to drag our kids out for a night that may or may not be worth it. 

When we got there we found our spot and the kids immediately wanted to get out of the van. We delayed pulling out all our chairs until it cooled off a little bit and took the kids back to an open area to play catch. Ben had a good idea one day to keep a container with all sorts off outside toys in the van. It has come in handy a few times. 

The kids took turns throwing and catching the ball with Ben. William even got in on some of the action. 

After seeing Miranda play softball a few times Gabbi has really showed an interest in it. She told me that she wanted to be as good as Miranda one day.

Once it was time, we got all the kids ready to watch the movie. Our first show was Max. The story of a retired Army dog. Both Gabbi and Owen were drawn to it. They loved watching the dog. They both stayed awake for the entire movie and didn't cause any problems at all. William on the other hand was a pain. He didn't want to sit and watch the movie, he didn't want to sit at all. He wanted to be up and about despite the fact that it was dark and you couldn't see much. So I tried my best to put him to sleep. Needless to say he and I spent a good portion or the movie walking and bouncing to try and get him to fall asleep. When he did finally fall asleep I laid him in his playpen in hopes that he would stay asleep.

After Max was over, we set up the kids in the van so they could watch another movie of their own while we watched ours.

The second show was San Andreas. The story of the San Andreas fault line. It was actually a pretty good movie. The kids were quiet and we were actually able to enjoy the show. William did wake up about an hour into it, but I wrapped him back up in his blanket and rocked him back to sleep. Luckily he was quiet despite the fight to not go back to sleep.

Park

We found a new park. Well its not really new, its been there forever, but they've redone it. I have no idea how long the new toys have actually been there, but all I know is that the kids love it. Its a park that targets all the age groups. There really is something for everyone at this park. 

We decided to waist so time the other day while waiting for Ben to get off work so we could go over and help Brandon and Christy with some projects they are working on at their house. 

Sadly, it was hot and the sun was cooking the toys. The kids were having a hard time playing because they were burning the hands and what not. We didn't end up staying very long, so we went and got a drink and a treat instead and headed back to the house to get started.

Softball game

Nelson joined a few softball teams this year. We were invited to come and check out the games. Ben was so excited. He really wanted to get out there and play with his dad. His dad even asked him to take a spot that was needing to be filled. Ben was considering it and probably would have if he didn't have class the night of the games. One day he'll have enough time to play.

Nelson's team did pretty good. I don't remember who won because it went by so fast. Up and down through every inning. I was almost upset that we had drove all that way for such a short game, but when it gets down to it spending time with them is never a waist.

Dinner and swimming

During the summer nights we have found ourselves spending a lot of time with Brandon, Christina, and their family. We have so much fun together, it has really been a blast. It has been a lot of fun with their Mom and Dad too. They put up their pool and were happily inviting us over for swimming and dinner. It wasn't the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last.

The kids absolutely have had a blast with the pool. They really are like fish. Its hard to get them out of the pool when its time to go. At least they have a lot of fun while they're in it.

William has loved it as well. Sadly for him, I think with everyone in the pool at the same time he gets scared a little bit. He doesn't last as long as the others and once we take him out like he wanted, he wants right back in. He's so funny to watch.

Father's Day with Nelson

On Monday we were able to go up to Nelson and Deann's to celebrate with them. We weren't able to stay very long, but it was still nice to go up and visit. 

Ben was really excited to be able to give his dad the gift he picked out. Ben picked out a knife almost as big as a machete. I think Ben was so excited about it just for the sheer fact that he wanted one too. When Nelson opened it, he did look pretty excited about it. Talked about all the things he could do with one.  

After visit for a little bit, Ben and his Dad played a quick game of horse shoes and then we had to be on our way.

Cars

William has finally come into his own. He's playing more and more. His personality and toy choice is really starting to surface. Owen's not the happiest because William is taking after him. He is really starting to understand and love cars. 

My mom and dad have a tower track that all the kids have loved playing with and now William is not different. He's had a blast with it. We were at family dinner the other night and played with it for hours.

Sadly he's on top of a table at the moment, but he did not want to put it on the ground and he himself refused to get off.

Father' Day with Dad

After church we headed to Mom and Dad's for family dinner. Sadly dad didn't get to stay the whole time because of work, but at least he was there for a little bit.  Before he took off we were able to give him his Father's Day card and inside were gift certificates to the movies and his favorite restaurant. 

Father's Day with Ben

Father's day around our house isn't a big deal because I don't let mother's day be a big deal and Ben and I are okay with that.

At church, they kids each made a special card for Ben. Gabbi was very proud of hers. Her teacher brought all sorts of things to decorate them with.

Owen made a what I know about you note. His answers were so funny. Ben couldn't stop laughing.

My dad's name is Dad, I mean Benjamin. He is 100, I think, years old. He is as big as a paper, I mean a house. He has purple, I think, hair and pink eyes. His favorite food is pizza, grapes, and carrots. His favorite color is purple, pink, yellow, blue, green, and grey. He likes to go to restaurants and fishing. For fun he likes to play hide and seek and trains. My favorite thing to do with my dad is color. I love my dad because he always does things with me.

Despite not making a fuss, the kids did want to get him something, so we picked out a Saint and Soldiers collection.

Birthday at Pineview Dam

Killing two birds with one stone, is what I'd call it. Celebrating two birthdays at the same time : )

Annie wanted to go to the beach for her birthday and Megan wanted to do a picnic lunch, so they put two and two together and we had a picnic lunch on the beach. Megan got there early to reserve us a spot and waited patiently for all of us to show up. 

When we first got there the beach was pretty empty. As the day went on it started to fill up, but still we were secluded enough that it didn't get to us. 

The kids couldn't wait to get in the water. Its a shame that they had to wait for their sunscreen to set before we'd let them get in the water. They played in the sand and looked around for shells and rocks while waiting. Once they got the all clear they ran for the water. 

William floated around in his water boat and enjoyed it for a little bit. I don't know if it was too cold or what but he lost interest. Owen only wanted to walk in up to his knees. For him I know the water was too cold. He's a chicken when it comes to being cold. Gabbi on the other hand is just like her dad. She loved the water and didn't want to get out. With her life jacket on she was free as a bird. Ben made her take it off every once and a while to test out and practice her swimming skills. She's doing pretty good.

After a while we pulled everyone out of the water for lunch. We had sandwiches, fruit, and chips. Everyone ate very quickly and eagerly jumped back into the water despite the 30 minute wait rule. Whether or not that rule is real or even helpful, I don't know, but it was thrown our the window today.

After a couple hours of visiting, eating, and playing in the sand and water it was time to go. Prior engagements started to pull us in different directions. All in all, we had a great time and we sad that it was over, especially Gabbi. She did not want to get out of the water.

Back Pack

The things we do when we're bored...subject your child to humiliation. At least he was having fun with it. I couldn't believe that he could actually fit in Ben's pack. Ben even put it on and he still had a smile on his face. He wasn't scared at all. I would have been afraid that I'd would fall out.

Lagoon with friends

We were so glad that our friends convinced us to get season passes to Lagoon. We have had a lot of fun. So much fun, that we have tried to go with them whenever both of our schedules a line. We've tried to go at least once a week. You know, to make sure that we have gotten our moneys worth.

The first few times we have gone we have usually gone in the mornings on Saturdays and never really stayed very long. Now that they were starting to open up during the week we have started later and stayed longer. We were excited to be able to have the kids see the park all lit up at night. 

The only bad part about it, William spends the majority of his time in the stroller. He get to ride everyone and a while, it just depends on the ride attendant. At least he's been a trooper about it. 

Lady bug bop

Scamper

Merry go round

Terror ride

William waiting in the stroller for a chance to ride a ride. It's hit and miss at every ride. A kind patron saw him waiting very patiently and gave him a stuffed animal to make him feel better. It was a cute green dinosaur.

Tilt a whirl

Samurai

Flying Aces

Tipsey tea cups

Bat

Red Rock Rally

Moonraker

Lady bug bop

Wicked