Camp Day 2

We were so lucky to have the most amazing adventures at our camp. Day 2 started with repelling into the Paris wind caves. It was so much fun and such a thrill. Most of the kids did it and had several turns. I went at the end as well and loved it. My legs were a bit jello from the Cross fit workout the camp leaders had us do at 6:30 AM. Yes, you read that right- 6:30 AM! But we survived. The kids loved the repelling. 

That afternoon, we headed to the beach. I had worried going into Bear Lake in May that it would be pretty cold, but we had amazing, ideal weather. It was so warm and perfect. The kids had a survivor style challenge in their teams, including an obstacle course and a puzzle game, ended in the boat race. We absolutely thought their boats would sink immediately, but boy were we wrong. 2 of the 4 sunk pretty early, but the other 2 really held on. We originally said the winner would be whoever stayed up longest, but it became clear those two boats were going to float, so we had them race to the rocks on the other side. It was hysterical and nearly one of my favorite parts of camp. So, so funny. Yellow team pulled it off. We then had an impromptu polar plunge for those who wanted to and then headed to the Ideal Beach pool and hot tub, where the kids had the best time.

That evening, we had an amazing fireside with two speakers- one who sang the church's youth theme this year, Walk with Me, and the second our neighbor Nate Spencer, who had a virus as a child that left him unable to use his arms. He uses his feet to do everything- eat, drive, play games, etc. He is amazing and really inspired the youth with his story. He also challenged a group of them to open a can of rootbeer and granola bar with their feet. It was hysterical. Of course we later had to take the boys snipe hunting and there was always plenty of time for games, games, games. 

Girls/Boys Camp 2026

This year, our ward decided to have a combined young men/young women's camp. We went Wednesday and got back today and packed in the adventures. We had the BEST time. We have incredible youth and leaders and had such a fun time together. I am going to have to break this up day by day since there are so many pictures to share. I was lucky enough to get to go with Hallie and Jace and that was a special experience.

Day one, we left the church early and drove to Logan Canyon where we did a 7 mile hike to White Pine Lake. You start at one lake and end up at another. Most of our group didn't make it down to the 2nd lake because there was a lot of snow, but a select few did & it looked gorgeous. The rest of us were about a mile short, but the entire thing was so pretty, it was totally worth it. 

Hals and Brittnie showing off their matching backpacks, courtesy of Applegate Home Health :) 

After we did the hike, we got into St. Charles, ID (Bear Lake) to our cabins. We had a big main lodge where most of the boys stayed, then 10 littler cabins around it, where leaders, the girls, and the older boys stayed. It was a totally ideal arrangement for our combined camp. I was lucky enough to sleep in a little cabin with 4 of my YW leaders, which meant late night chats and laughs, but no listening to kids all night long. Haha. 

After dinner, our kids were divided into 4 teams that they stayed in for the rest of camp for various activities. Their first activity was to build a cardboard boat, big enough that someone could ride in it for a boat race the next day. Several teams just whipped them right out, and others spent hours working on them. It was very entertaining.

And of course the girls did a little decorating of their cabins. :) 

 

May Misc.

 May was such a busy month!! It was so busy that I had several posts already with the many major things we had going on. The month wrap up post is small because there isn't a lot additional to add! But here are some photos.

Hiking:

There are always hiking pictures, since I keep an album! I hiked alone this month, along with several times with my amazing women friends. I did Adams, the Wind Caves, Farmington Creek, and the Grotto. Love where we live and the beauty around us.

Kids end of School Activities:

Lizzie is little miss social and is alway playing with friends. On the last day of school, she had a party at her friend Mya's house that was a real blast for her. 

Jace also had an orchestra concert that hasn't been mentioned yet. I have one sad little picture, but I will say that it was impressive to see him do so well. Music was the last thing to come back for him post brain injury and as I watched him during the concert, I was so amazed to see that he was playing like normal and keeping up, no big deal. So awesome.

Paris's Birthday: 

Paris turned 6, which is just wild. I saw her a few days before, which was fun. It is a date worth noting and one that is always going to be part of my personal history, but it is not a day I really know what to do with. This year we went hiking and that was great. I feel the need to mark it somehow? But we are not celebrating a birthday at our house, so it is usually just a bit of an odd day for me. Luckily, the emotions have subsided a lot over the years! But, always happy to have been part of her story.