Girls Camp

Back from a week of Stake Girls Camp at Heber Valley Camp.  What a week!  This was my first time going up as a leader and I loved being there the full 5 days.  The girls were awesome, inspiring, and just a lot of fun getting to know better.  There was a strong spirit up there that I hope each girl felt and in return, brought home with them to share with their families.  Girls Camp is an inspired activity and I felt privileged to be part of it.

 

 The Stake theme was "Warriors of Light, go forth and serve".  For our ward we picked the Brother of Jared to be our warrior, but more specifically, the 16 stones that lit the way for the Jaredites journey.  We had a "Light Walk" the first night-- where at each stop there was a large lighted stone (painted with glow in the dark paint) and the girls were given instructions on how to light themselves.  They were the stones essentially, and at the end of their walk, we challenged them to find the light of Christ during their week here, and ask Him to touch them with His light.  We then gave them stone bracelets, tying in with the 16 stones with the YW colors, to remind them of our challenge.  It was the perfect way to start off camp.

 Of course to fill the down time, we played lots and lots of games, delivered Secret Sisters, and played more games. This is when I really got to know my girls.  I would join in each game I could and it was a lot of fun.

 Then we hiked to the Lake!  It was beautiful.  I couldn't get over the trees, the green everywhere, and how perfect the weather was.  I kept saying, "I love this green!" 

 At the Lake we got to ride around on canoes or paddle boats.  I've never done canoes, so of course being game for everything, I joined two of my girls on their boat.  Good thing I left my phone behind because they were the ones getting all the other girls wet!  By the time we were headed back to shore I was soaked.  And, no surprise, they tipped the canoe over!  Totally on purpose.  Totally soaked to the bone.  Needless to say, we did not hike back to camp...

^^^ Skit night! ^^^

 I loved the devotionals that my Youth Camp Leaders lead each day.  We were smashing boards, going for nature walks, and learning more about one another.  One day they will be leaders up at camp and this is giving them practice now.  And I could see a lot of strong leaders in our group.

 

I think their favorite day was the Rope Challenge Course.  I got to lead the "Swinging Log" and watch each group try to work together to cross the log.  They did other courses too and they ended the day with the zip line. Heber Valley Camp has it all!

Since the theme related to "light" we made lanterns for our craft, which also doubled for our lights for "Singing in the Trees".  When it got dark, all wards from the stake gathered in the amphitheater and each took turns singing their song.  We finished the night by all singing "Armies of Helaman".  If I didn't love testimony meeting so much, this would have been my favorite night.  I had three of my Young Women around me, singing the song and it brought tears to my eyes.  Surley, they are soliders in these last days.

 ^^^ And of course, camp awards! ^^^

I loved my week here.  It was a lot of work with no sleep, but there is no where else these girls would have had the experiences they did, so it was all worth it.  I could feel God's love for each of them. He knows each of these young ladies.  And He knows me.  It was an incredible week.  My testimony is stronger than ever.  I love Girls Camp!

family night frozen yogurt

 We kicked off Summer with frozen yogurt!

We all seem to like sprinkles...

Lennon's first time to the frozen scene.

 I think she loved it.

Myer and Jake were sure into it.

We are ready for you now hot summer!

Memorial Day Murdock Trail

Cause Trek is in 3 weeks! We are so ready!!

And possibly our kids too...

preschool graduation

 Our first year of preschool is over and done!  Whew.  What a year.  Miss Molly did so much for our Myer.  Of course he learned so much like numbers and letters, but he also learned how to share, how to make friends, how to control his emotions, and how to express himself.  I've seen such a change in him that was a huge answer to prayers.  I see less tantrums, less hitting, and a desire to identify his emotions and then articulate what's wrong.  YAY!  Miss Molly told me that he loves loves loves to learn and I think that is how we can keep high-energy-Myer engaged.  She has found a way to channel his too-smart-for-me brain.  I mean he's already reading.  He got the award for Best Reader too.  So proud of you Myer.

 And it was such a special treat to experience preschool with his cousins.  Navy and Myer will be in the same class next year.  Can't wait!

Until next year...

I hope we can survive the summer!

Mother's Day

 

Not only did I get to sleep in, breakfast in bed, and the cutest homemade cards, but I GOT A BIKE!  Jake totally surprised me!  I honestly thought I was getting a bunch of frying pans and kitchen stuff.  (Because all my kitchen stuff is from when we got married.  So ya, I was thinking it was time for an upgrade.)  We immediately went for a ride, all of us in our pj's, and rode around the neighborhood.  Myer was thrilled to find out I actually could ride a bike and complimented my "new found" talents. It's a bike that can ride in the mountains and on the streets so looks like I'll be trying some mountain trails with my boys...

Then we had dinner at my moms with all my siblings, their spouses, and kids. It's been a while since we've all been together.  It was loud, crazy, and just how it should be.  Myer played with his cousins and Jessie's dogs, and Lennon loved all the attention.  I quite frankly loved that I didn't have to cook! 

Then Elder Thacker gave us a call!  THE BEST.  (Jake went home the kids so I face-timed him in on the phone call.)  I am so dang proud of my brother.  He is in a tough situation with his jaw and his companion, but he was so positive, optimistic, and full of faith.  I could see him not only living the gospel, but being the gospel.  It shines out of him.  His quick sense of humor is still there along with a slight Filipino accent (so cute!)  I loved hearing his testimony is Tagalog.  So proud of him learning that language in just 9 months.  So again-- we were all together.  We are all in different places in our lives but we are there supporting each other.  I feel genuine love from and for my siblings.  They are examples to me in their stages of life, and I draw courage from each of them.  Parents included!

It was an awesome weekend with the temple, hanging with my family, riding my bike, and getting a hello from the Philippines.  I miss my two sisters and little brother already, but good thing for emails and face time. 

Payson Temple Open House

My sister scored 15 tickets to the Payson Temple Open house.  And luck would have it, that it was on the same weekend, Mother's Day weekend, that both my sisters would be in town.  So we were all together!! In the temple! (Except my brother who is serving a mission, but we got to talk to him just two days later on Mother's Day. More on that later.)  We were a large group, but so very neat to be as a family.  Again, Myer and Navy held hands through the whole thing.  Gosh those two are so dang cute together.

When we finished the tour, we couldn't leave.  The grounds and the temple were so beautiful.  (The inside of the Temple was large and so many rooms!)  We stayed and stayed and stayed on that green lawn until the kids nap time crept up on us. I love the feeling in and around that beautiful place.  Can't wait to go back.

Cirque du Soleil-- "Joya"

The highlight of the trip!  We thought we only had tickets to see the show, but we had tickets for the dinner as well-- a "gourmet experience" and a table right up at the front. Oh yeah! And that was the best part because the food was incredible. 

I'm probably not describing these amazing platters adequately, so excuse my lack of foodie vocabulary.  Just know, that the food was amazing and I've never had a meal so ritzy.  You could even eat the menu!

They first brought out the appetizer plate which had smoked salmon, ham and mango caviar, crab salad, and goat cheese.  And yes there is dry ice coming out of that planter.

Then the main course-- I had the salmon and Jake had the Roast.

And then dessert came in a wooden book!!!! There were 4 different desserts-- dark chocolate cake, tropical pudding, fruit tart, and creme brulee.  AMAZING.  Jake and I were the nerdy couple up front "oohing" and "ahhing" over each bite.

Then of course we still had the show which was equally amazing.  They had a juggler, a contortionist, Chinese acrobats, a tramp as large as the stage, gymnasts, jiu jitsu pirates, trapeze artists, etc. etc. etc!!  Add all the gourmet food on top of it?  Made for a very memorable night.  Another perk from Landvoice.  I cannot thank Jake's work enough for this trip.  Thank you thank you!!