Trip to Philmont

We continued from Martin's Cove all the way down to Philmont in New Mexico. It was a long trip but we saw a lot of land we'd never seen before. The weather was hot and dry and we were reminded often to drink water to prevent elevation sickness.

Each child was able to join a group of youth of their age. During the day they would hike, play, and eat. Then at night we would gather and do family activities like roping, dancing, and dutch oven cooking.

Everyone loved riding small and large horses. The handlers were so great with the kids and the animals and we really enjoyed our time with them.

It sure is harder to get on a horse than to get off it. I think someone had to shove my butt so I could get in the saddle.

Summer Fun

So many fun activities have filled the summer. It's hard to fit them all in here. We enjoyed setting off rockets at Elger Bay Elementary while school was out.

We celebrated Frazier's birthday on a fabulously warm and pleasant day.

We found an indoor swimming pool in Oak Harbor and enjoyed the afternoon playing together.

Trip to Martin's Cove

 We drove out from Salt Lake to Martin's Cove to see where my dear Alice Walsh survived with her children. It was so hot that we had a difficult time picturing it in freezing ice and snow. We kept hoping a small passing cloud would cover us.

There was much complaining on the pull towards the cove. When we arrived at a group of seating, Paul sat them down and gave them the "why are we here" lecture. They were much better behaved afterwards.

Calvin even picked up a heavy rock that looked like obsidian and carried it back to the car. We visited the center and enjoyed the displays.

You can see Devil's Gate back there behind us. After this we drove to Independence Rock and the kids climbed up and down until they were tired. We camped at a nearby site with the missionaries.

School is Out!

 Because the weather is so rainy during the year, when it is pleasant we grab the keys and find some water. School let out and we were out the door first to Mabana Beach, which is a nice quiet place to bring Cecil.

That was June 20. On the 24th we headed out for Cascade Park, the Church-owned property for YM and YW campouts. This time it was a ward campout/service project.

Six days later we were at Wenberg Stake Park on the shores of Lake Goodwin. The grassy fields were busy because the weather was so nice. We snacked and played all afternoon, then all the kids slept for the drive home.

Marnie was feeling sick, but she did feel good enough to play on the equipment on the upper part of the park. Everyone else went swimming in the cordoned off area.

Seminary is Finished!

 I am excited to finish this year teaching seminary. This young class was fun, but difficult. Freshmen are not the easiest to wrangle. But having game day every Friday and trying to include fun every week was worthwhile. Calvin came with me often, even though he's not in high school yet.

Recent Performances

 The kids are all performing in some way at the end of the year. It's fun to watch them grow in their confidence. Most of the little squares in my handy calendar are full tiny scribbles. Of course, every week we have Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts where the boys continually improve.

Katie built a xylophone for Science Team!

Then she and Emily DeFreese sang for Young Women's. She has been really busy lately.

Calvin is running with the Stanwood Middle School track team. Every night he is heading to bed early and sleeping like a rock.

Celebrating Paul

 Paul turned 40 on Friday, the first of April. Everyone was excited to share his cake. He had to light his own candles and then blow them out again. 

The next month he was awarded the BSA's Silver Beaver Award. He was very proud to receive such an exceptional award and it was well-deserved. Rob Huff also received the award, so here they compare them a bit.