Summer Camps

Girl's camp was always the highlight of my summers when I was a youth. The thing is, it wasn't that long ago so how is it possible that I have not one, but two kids old enough to go away for summer camp?! Technically Jayden is not quite old enough, but I'm so glad they let him sneak into scout camp this summer. They've been planning their big trip to Catalina Island and we were bummed that Jayden would miss it by less than 2 months since he doesn't turn 12 until August. At the last minute they had someone cancel so there was an opening that they said Jayden could take. Last minute as in, Jason called me on my way home from Sedona. I pulled up, grabbed Jayden to go get a physical at a local clinic, then spent the evening filling out paper work then took a midnight trip to Walmart getting supplies so they could leave at 3AM Monday morning. It was a whirlwind to get him out the door, but I'm so grateful for the amazing time he had there. He learned new skills, developed more independence and responsibilities, strengthened friendships and his testimony and developed a greater appreciation for my home cooking and a soft bed. His leaders were really great about posting pictures and updates on fb, some of the highlights that week included kayaking to an island where they built their own shelters to sleep in, lots of early morning kayaking and hiking, bike rides, classes, competitions and the $25 pocket knife he bought at the gift shop. 

EFY (Especially For Youth) was always a favorite too, so I was excited that Kylie was old enough to go this year. It's the perfect mix of fun and spiritual growth, and of course boys. Kylie and Marlee had fun rooming together, but these cute girls are trouble when it comes to boys. They met some fun ones that they've gotten together with a few times since being back. They loved the dances and Bro. Young's class, they didn't love so much the cafeteria food and the girl that wiped cheetos on Kylie's bed. I love that she came home and gave me the play by play action of everything that happend, it seems like lately I'm pulling teeth to get any details so it made me so happy that she was just bubbling over with excitement to tell me everything. Definitely a sign that she had a good time, and they're already planning for next year.

And then came girl's camp (I'm hoping to get more pictures from her leaders). Kylie is the first to admit that she's not a camper. She likes sleeping in the comfort of her own room with hot showers and wifi. With that being said, she wasn't super excited about camp. Especially when they said everyone would be sleeping in the same tent and there would be no shower facilities. But she ended up having a good time, the highlight being the faith walk with the Tree of Life, and hiding out in Sis Janda's car blasting the air conditioning and Justin Bieber. They asked her to bear her testimony in church about her experience that next Sunday and I loved hearing how much she grew in those few short days. We sure missed these kids while they were gone, but am grateful they had these experiences. My heart is full of gratitude for all the leaders and individuals who have put so much work into these camps. These teen years are so crucial in forming who they become and I am ever so grateful for experiences like these that help build that strong foundation and strengthen their testimonies. It takes a village to raise a child and I'm so grateful for this wonderful village that surrounds us.

Happy Father's Day. Happy Anniversary.

June 19. A perfect day to celebrate Jason's 13th Father's Day and our 17th wedding anniversary. It was a bit of an unconventional Father's Day/anniversary with my sister's family in town, but we made it a dual celebration. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a lasagna dinner with my brother's family as well. And lots of back massages and football watching in between. And an attempt at some games revolving around them which ended with an entertaining performance of "Single Ladies" and "Give said the Little Stream". Jason sure knows how to wiggle those hips. We celebrated our anniversary the night before with shaved noodles (a favorite new dive we discovered), but technically Mexico was our big anniversary trip. I did surprise him with new boxers to wear under his swim trunks. Because we've been married 17 years and we're romantic like that. We sure love this guy they call Dad. We love his bed time stories from when he was young, when he brings beef jerky home from work, when he stays up late to watch Zach Galifianakis movies and eat the good salsa with me, when he impresses the kids with his toy juggling skills, when he takes the boys for bike rides after work, when he makes egg sandwiches before church, when he has diving contests with the kids, when he dances to Kylie's music, his spontaneous hide and go seek games in the house, and pretty much every thing he does. He's a good one. A good man, a good father, a good husband. So grateful his ours. Happy Father's day and happy anniversary, they don't get much better than you!

Rainbows and bucket lists

Our only regret was that we didn't plan to stay longer. After taking travel time into consideration, our 4 day trip turned into only 2 full days, but man we packed in as much as we could. Starting the mornings out right with holes turned to tunnels turned to swimming pools complete with an irrigation system to keep it full. I loved seeing them interact, problem solve, imagine and create together. 

Home sweet home. This is the only beach (safely) accessible to vehicles (even so, we still had to help a few vehicles that were stuck in the sand), so it was pretty packed. Thankfully with a lake the size of Powell, the water itself always felt empty.

Speaking of a lake this size. I knew it was big, but I had no idea the magnitude of its size. We took a day trip to Rainbow Bridge which took 1 1/2 hours one way by boat, going full speed the whole way. And that's not even close to the full length of the lake. By the time we got there I felt like we had just gotten out of a concert, my ears were ringing from the constant noise and wind. But it was a gorgeous drive out and since we were riding in the Palmer's boat I loved that we got to slide up next to Jason and enjoy the ride.

This kid and his summer tan, you can tell he didn't get his beautiful skin from me.

Once again we had to make our way through the narrows and I kept having visions of another boat whipping around the corner and having a head on collision. I couldn't relax until we got through it.

Thankfully we made it with no incident and enjoyed a hot but rewarding hike to the breathtaking Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural bridge in the world.

On the way back we spotted this lookout and of course the boys had to climb it. Lake Powell is just spilling over with hidden secrets and gems, I can't wait to come back and explore more nooks and crannies.

 Horseshoe Bend has been on my bucket list for a while now. Ever since I discovered that it existed and was only a short walk over a hill at an unassuming parking lot on the side of the road right outside of Page. We've made that drive so many times and I had no idea that jaw dropping beauty lay a mere 3/4 mile down a dusty trail. The thing about this place is that it is crazy beautiful but also crazy scary. Those sheer drops are no joke. With so many people milling around and taking selfies on the edge of the cliffs, it's amazing that no one stumbles and falls. I breathed a deep sigh as we headed back, but that night lay in bed with my stomach in knots having visions of the kids falling off. It's making me anxious just thinking about it, but for now let's just focus on the immense peace and beauty radiating from this natural wonder. Ignoring the haze from neighboring forest fires. Such a shame.

This picture is deceiving, he's not perched right on the edge. Although he wanted to. He asked if he could dangle his legs over. Cue mini heart attack.

We took another evening cruise, as one does, but this time to the sand hill. A lung collapsing, heart attack inducing climb to the top, but looks of pure joy as the kids ran down with arms flailing and legs turning faster than they could keep up. I wish we had more time to play here before the sun went down and signaled the end of the day and the end of our trip. The end of our amazing trip. Made only better if Kylie were with us. And if the caliper for the brake on the trailer didn't fall off (why yes, I was nervous to drive it home, thanks for asking). And if the speedometer on the boat didn't break. And if the anchor didn't get lost (thanks Trevor for diving to find it!). And if the nav light didn't go out. And if the bilge wasn't taking in so much water. The joy of boat ownership. But all that is just nonsense details compared to the amazing time we had. Although we really did miss Kylie, on the way home we stopped at Cafe Rio and Maddox got a sad look on his face when he saw the empty seat where Kylie should be sitting. It was sweet. Until next time!