Young Men's Camp

This is what I know about Young Men's camp: Ethan started off doing a Triathlon. He rocked it, of course. I watched him swim and then take off on his bike and that was last I saw of him until the day they did the Volkeslauf.   Which is the Ultimate Challenge.  It is a whole body and mind strategy through miles of obstacles after a 10 mile run.  This was a great learning opportunity for Mr. Olympian.  He was on a team that had some boys that weren't as prepared or just physically uncapable of performing in this way.  This was Ethan's biggest challenge, because the boys had to stay with their teams, help them and cross the finsih line together.  He was trying so hard to be paitent, but he did it and he even helped the others.  He just wishes he could go back and do it all by himself sometime. 
This young men's camp was full of different challenges and obstacles for these young men to experience and learn from.  I am grateful for all the leaders who come physically and spiritually prepared to teach these young men and help them feel of their Heavenly Father's love for them and help them to recognize the promptings of the spirit and make them into better men.  Which, prepares them to be better missionaries and fathers. 

 

Zierenbergs and Tucker

It works out nicely when someone has kids the exact same age as yours. 

We had a get together with the Zierenbergs. 

Kandrea came over for Lauren.  Maddie came over for Rachel and Reed came over for Matthew. 

 

One of the kids summer jobs was to dog and house sit for the Hendersons.  (Our Bishop)  So we kept their handsome dog Tucker at our house for a couple of weeks and he kept Duke company.  And then the kids took turns riding their bikes to the Hendersons to water the lawn, get the mail and feed their cat. Matthew looks like he was loving life surrounded by dogs.

more friends...

Sleepovers, Swimming and Silliness!!

Rachel, Lauren, Kate, Olivia, Michelle and Nicole

Tiger Lady on Wipeout

 

So a friend of mine made a little bet or dare with her children, which ended up with her auditioning for Wipeout and then MAKING it.  Yep, she is known as the Tiger Lady now and she made it to the final 6. Natalie Zierenberg is so awesome. 

 

Here are a bunch of her admirers after we watched the show on TV. 

Arise & Shine Young Women's Camp {BIG MEADOW 2012}

I tend to put off posting some posts because I want to spend time thinking about what I want to share about it and then I don't ever do it and then I forget all about it what I wanted to remember.

This was my first time to BIG MEADOW girls camp. I have been to four other young women's camps in my life and so I felt like I had lots to compare it to.  And to be honest I was a little anxious.  This girls camp is 99% real camping.  And only 99% because they do provide us with port-a-pottys.  We sleep in tents, cook our own food, no phones or music devices, no electricity, etc.....  It is all about being able to feel the spirit here.  And this is definitely what happens when you go to BIG MEADOW.  Everything that is planned, all the programs and different hikes for each age group builds upon each other and provides these young women with many opportunities to feel the spirit.  It literally takes us all out of the world and into the Kingdom of God.  When the week is over, it is actually hard to want to go back down the mountain and have to face the real world.

Brimhall Ward has a fantastic group of young women.  We couldn't have asked for better girls to spend this week with.  Not only were we able to partake of the spirit but we had some fun bonding experiences.  Great Great Great Girls!

Kirsten, my first counselor and camp expert.  Tara, our new ward camp director.

Our campfire with our magnificent fireplace mantel.

Fourth years heading out. Ciera, Isabel and Bryn

Welcome back Isabel!

Welcome, Third years - Lindsey and Mikayla. Olivia and Maranda took their packs for them.

Our super cute 1st and 2nd years.

We won the Arise and Shine Award for the first day.

Cheryl, my first counselor and 1st year hike leader, Morgan and her friend.

Yeah, they are way cool!

Kat and Brother Woolsey.  She wasn't in our ward at the time, but has since moved in and her Grandpa, Brother Woolsey is loved by everyone.  I so admire him.  He helped alot with my boys and their scouts too.  He does everything.

Yep, my first time at doing the fishbone braid. Thanks Bria!

 Little Miss Maddy.

Carved by Brother Woolsey!

Had to have a picture with the infamous Maranda.  She makes us all laugh!

Love You!!!! ..... Just Kidding!!!!

Didn't get to see Bria much as she was Light Year!

So sweet, everyone loves Monet!

My solo letter time.  Steve wrote a very sweet letter that brought tears to my eyes!

Emily and I on our leader hike.

Me and my sweet friend Renee, who was helping with crafts.

 The whole gang and our awesome banner!

There are lots more pictures and lots more happenings-all remembered as an unforgettable moment.  One of my holy places!