Young Women camp!

I had the awesome opportunity to go to Young Women camp this year as a leader.  Our theme this year was Embark.  It went along with the scripture D&C 4:2.  Mckenna and Tessa were so happy to be at camp.

We stayed at Heber Valley camp.  It was really nice.  We had flushing toilets and showers.  We were not roughing it.  Mckenna hanging out in the Beehive cabin with her friend Rylee.

I went on the hike with the third year girls.  There were beautiful Aspens along the way.  It was nice because it was shaded most of the hike.

We came to this cool overlook.  My hiking buddies were Savannah, Bailey, Aspen, Macy, Maddie and Patriarch Durfey.  We were blessed to have our stake patriarch with us the whole time at camp.  He is also in our ward.

We thought it was cool that we could see the three cabins we were staying in from up there.  We even saw our pavilion. We knew that one of our leaders was down there so we all shouted, "Sister Mitchell" as loud as we could.  She told us later that she heard us.

We also saw deer on our way back.  They also have Moose up there.  I was a little disappointed that I didn't see one during my stay.

There are several sets of senior missionaries that run the camp.  I thought that was so cool.  They live in R.V.'s and ride around on four wheelers.

One night we had a downpour and even some hail.  I was glad that I was in the pavilion for that.

Mckenna and some of the other girls enjoyed getting soaked.

On the way back from my hike I smelled something sweet and told the girls I smelled cinnamon rolls.  They thought I was hallucinating after the long hike.  We found out later we were having cinnamon rolls for dessert.  I was soooo happy!  I ate three and the stomach ache after was worth it!  One of my Mia Maids came up with a gospel analogy for me.  She said, "the gospel is like cinnamon rolls, it is sweet and you need them."

It was fun being up at camp with Kenna.  I always wanted to go to camp with my Mom but never had that experience.

The next morning we hiked down to the lake. It was beautiful and we saw more deer along the way.

Brekke and I were paddle boat buddies.  We took a selfie before going out on the lake.

In the middle of the lake was a mother duck and her ducklings.  We had fun chasing after them in the paddleboat.

We took a group picture of our ward down by the lake.  I think there were about thirty of us at that time. It was crazy because there were 12 wards in our stake at girls camp this year.

When we had some ward free time I taught the girls how to play the candy bar game.

It was a hit!  Mckenna was shoving the chocolate into her mouth as fast as she could.

Brekke took the fourth year girls on their overnight hike.  

The bishop had his birthday while we were up there.  We celebrated with a cake.  He also received some ear plugs as a present so he could sleep that night with all the the snoring going on in the Mens cabin.

I also taught the girls how to play the game chubby bunny.  All these games and songs came back to me while I was at camp.  Tavia had the record for seven marshmallows in her mouth.  She even took off the rubber bands on her braces so she could fit more in.

We had fun around the campfire each night. I was cracking up the night the girls did skits.

We also had the chance to do the ropes courses.  The highlight was the rope swing. The girls all harnessed and ready to go.

I tried to film Mckenna when it was her turn but the memory card became full and I didn't get anything of her swinging.  

I do not like heights and had no desire to try this.  The bishop talked me into trying it.  He is also afraid of heights and tried it. It did help that they were chanting my name.  I got up to the top and sat there for a minute.  The scariest part was letting go of the rope.

I surprised myself and ended up loving it.  I felt like a bird sailing through the air.  I even did the splits mid air.  I would have gone again if they would let us.

I helped teach what they called the partner walk.  Two girls had to walk along the wires and balance by pushing off each other.  The wires got farther apart as they went along.  I love Tessa's face in this picture.  It was such a great experience being up at camp with these girls.  I learned a lot.  It was my first time going as a leader and I loved it just as much as when I went as a teenager.

Piano recital

Parker and Mckenna played at Grandpa's piano recital on Tuesday June 2nd.  Parker was the first performer of the night.  He started off the show on a good note by playing the song, Legend of the buffalo.

Mckenna played a song called Rockin chair blues.  Grandpa finished up the recital by playing Hot, Hot, Hot with the band.

I took some pictures of Kenna and Parker hanging out after the performance. It was fun seeing them both at the piano together.  I hope some day to hear them play a duet.

They started to get a little crazy.  I love how Bob the drummer is also waving in the background.

We made a random stop to Scheels after the performance since we were close by.  Kev and I were looking at bikes.  So we decided  to ride the Ferris wheel.  Mckenna and Parker looked so cute all in their Sunday best.

Hayden rode in a cart with Kev.

I rode with Halle and Addy.  They both loved it!  I even found a new bike for myself that night.  There will be more pictures on that coming soon!

Our dancing princess!

Halle had her annual dance performance the end of May.  The production this year was The twelve dancing princesses.  I took this picture of Halle with her friend Maggie before the dress rehearsal.

It was fun to watch Halle up on the stage.  I brought Addy with me and she loved the dancing and music.  I can't wait for Addy to start dance in the Fall.  I know she will love it like Halle does.

Halle being silly for the camera since she knew I was taking pictures.

Halle took a ballet/jazz class this year.

These are pictures from her actual dance number. She was recognized for the best pique turns by her dance teacher this year.

I took some pictures of Halle after the show on performance day.  She did a great job and we gave her some roses.

Halle showing off her flexibility.

Halle getting hugs from Dad after the show.  It was nice to have my Dad come.  He was the only grandparent that could come that day.  He reminded me that he has been coming to dance performances since I started dance over 31 years ago.  I guess that's what happens when you have three dancing daughters and now granddaughters.

We went to Artic circle afterwards for some ice cream.  Grandpa spoiled us all and also bought us lunch.

Remember...

I was able to go visit my mother's grave a couple days before Memorial day.  I went up by myself and it was nice to have some time to just think and remember my Mom.  It is a beautiful cemetery and I feel peace when I am there.

On Memorial day we met at Taylorsville for our traditional visits to the graves.

Hayden was happy to help put flowers on the graves.  My Dad had something new to share this year.  Our family came across some family heirlooms in a round a bout way.  They came across the plains with our pioneer ancestors.  They belonged to my Great, Great, Grandmother Mary Ellen Normington Cook's family.  It was a whole trunk full of family heirlooms.  A journal, blessing gowns, hats, purses, and embroidery. We just have pictures of all these items but it would be great to see the originals someday.

The highlight of Memorial day was when my Grandma showed up and surprised us. She had not been feeling well and we didn't plan on her coming.  I love my Grandma very much!  I am grateful for these traditions that she started.

The kids were happy with the free pop that the cemetery was handing out.

The kids also put pine cones around my Great Grandparents grave.

We took our yearly family picture all together.

Grandma with her cute "great grandies" as she likes to call them.

We also went to the Salt Lake cemetery.  I thought this was a cute picture of Halle and Hayden with their Grandpa.

The kids enjoyed running up and down the big hills.

It was funny because we looked over at a light and Mike, Amy, and the kids were right next to us.  Hailey looked so cute smiling and waving at us.  

We really enjoyed our lunch at Olive garden.  Grandma is so sweet to pay for all of us.  Addy and Elle had fun eating breadsticks together.

We met up with Kev's parents to go over to Grandma and Grandpa Foster's grave.  We brought each of them a coke this year.

We stood around their grave and talked about what we thought they were doing up in heaven.  We still miss Grandpa Foster so much!