Girls Camp, August 3rd through 6th

Girl's Camp was held at the J.R. property past Fairview, UT.  We actually passed my sister in law Miriah, parents home on the way.   I worked with the 2nd years and they were so cute.  Unfortunately, for me, I didn't get to stay the whole time, but I sure loved the every minutes I was there.

Above is cute, Sierra, one of  my ward Beehives. I serve in  my ward as the 2nd Counselor in Young Women's.

The stake president trying to teach us a game that I can't remember the name to.

Kara enjoying the game.  The theme this year for camp was, "Anchored in Christ."  We had a theme song for it and everything.  It was the most organized camp I have every attended.  I have never seen a camp run that smoothly!!!!  WOW!

Be the Best You Camp July 19th-23rd, Thanksgiving Point!!

Kara went for her second year of Be the Best you camp!!.  THis is a camp that is run by Barbara Barrington Jones.  It is a camp that is devoted to service.  They do all kinds of activities that are service oriented. They also have incredible speakers that come to bless their lives.

Before the dance.  Kara's cousin Mikayla who was also at the camp came and helped with her hair. Last year Mikayla and Kara shared a room, but this year because Kara was in the 14-15 year old group they couldn't be in the same group because Mikayla was in the 12-13 year old group!

Kara was placed in this group with other 14-15 year old girls and they had one adorable counselor too.

They had one of their activities be about working with some of the elderly. 

This was the first day of camp.  This is one of the leaders who works with the girls, who they obviously adored!

Posing for another picture with their group.

Each group brought the material to make a blanket for a child in need.

They each had a child they worked with for a day.  They read them a story with a book they bought to give to their child.  Then they took them through some fun places that are on Thanksgiving point.

On the last day of camp, parents came up to view a slide show about what their daughters had done during the week, hear some of the youth speak and  watch a modest is hottest fashion show.   My niece Mikayla was one of the ones who modeled a modest dress!

Kara with girls at BBY.  Her cousin, Mikayla, is directly above her!

My 43rd birthday!!!

For my birthday, Matt, Colton, Kara and I went to Tempura restaurant.  It is so yummy.  It is entertaining just to watch the Chef prepare the food in front of you.  And my favorite part is when he aims to put shrimp in your mouth from a far.  I totally made it this time.

Matt and I at the restaurant.  Kara or Colton taking the picture.  Spencer was still at work when we went.

A peanut butter and chocolate birthday cake from Leatherby's it was so yummy.

  Spencer was here for the cake!

Ann had a birthday celebration for the four June and July birthdays.  It was a lot of fun.  Here we are:Ali, Kami, Camille and me!!!  I love the crowns; thanks Ann!!!

Bee's game

Camille who is amazing with coupons found a great deal for Bee tickets.  So for FHE in July we went to a Bee's game in SLC.  Matt and I were the only ones that went from our family as Kara was away. at Be the Best you Girls camp.   Here is a picture fo the some of the cute kiddos with the Bee mascot!!!  Could you know any cuter children?

Here we are on the lawn enjoying the game!!!  We had fun!!!!

A thought for your soul

We must be willing to let go 

of the life we have planned, 

so as to have the life that 

is waiting for us

~Joseph Campbell

Boating with family on 4th of the July weekend!

Before Coby left for Jordan, we went boating.   I love going boating with the family.  It is soooooo much fun to see the mountains and just enjoy time together!

Matt and I enjoying a moment together!

Kara driving the boat.  She is really good, probably better than me!

Colton working on his tan, or rather his sunburn!!!

Just before Matt started them on a wild ride!!!!

Tayler (Spencer's best friend) joined us for the day.  Tayler and Kara are buddies too.

Colton is always good at holding up the flag for when needed.

Spencer after coming in after being on the tube.

Coby after getting off the tube and ready to get back on the tube!

Camping with friends

This summer  some of my girlfriends and their families all went camping together up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  It was so much fun.  Kara brought two of her friends, Rachel and Eliza. Everyone had a wonderful time and there was yummy food!!!!!  In the above picture we are playing games.  I am the one in the pink shirt on your right.

There were some beautiful scenery!!!  It was gorgeous up there.

Kara, me and Eliza and Rachel.  Some of us are much better at making silly faces!

Makinzee, Camille and Kami on bottom from left to right and Ann and Rachel.  Some of us had already left when they took this picture!

Some of my friends cute kiddos.  And Kara has baby sat everyone of them!!!

Coby leaves to go and live in Amman, Jordan

I must admit I am very sad for our family that Coby is leaving for 6 months to go do a semester abroad in Amman with BYU's program.  But, we are all super excited  that he has this opportunity to do what he LOVES!!!  Coby came home on Easter to live with us for two and a half months before going to Jordan.  I love Coby's passion for wanting to explore the world.  Right now, he is planning on being some kind of ambassador, or working  with the U.S. embassies, or working for the United Nations.  Something along those lines at least, but not exclusive.  I am so happy for him that he has found something that he loves and especially that he is pursuing his dream.  Many times people are afraid to do what they have always dreamed of, so I am very proud of him for that.

Coby is very adventurous, he isn't afraid to do many things that would be beyond frightful to others.  Coby left for Amman two  months before the rest of the students came in September.  I think that is where my worry has been, in that the BYU program hadn't started and  he was on his own.  Before going to Amman, he stopped in Vienna where he served most of his  mission.  I love that he has such a love for the people there and he continues to foster the relationships he developed there.  Coby is also going to Turkey and Israel, while he is gone. He will be home December 22nd of this year!!!!  Enjoy your time in the Middle East, Coby.  We love you!!!!!

Colton turns 18!!!

On June 10th, Colton turned 18.  It was really hard for me to believe, but it is true.  In a couple of months he will be leaving to go to UVU in Orem Utah.  He is living in an apartment with one of his friends and some random strangers.  I am so excited for Colton to begin this adventure of his life.  I know he will do really well in college. Colton loves to learn and is highly intelligent.  Colton is such a compassionate young man and hurts whenever he sees a friend, stranger or family member hurting. He will do anything to help others, even when it is not in his best interest.  I have learned so  much from Colton.  One of the things I think I have learned the most from him was expressing gratitude. Colton is one of the most grateful people I have ever met.  He remembers to thank other for the little things and the small things.  He is also one of the most genuine people I know.  Colton is also one of the most honest people I know.  He isn't afraid of expressing how  he feels.  You always know where you stand with Colton.  Happy 18th Birthday Colton.  We are so glad you are a part of our family!