2009 Cousin Camp

WOW! That is a bunch of pictures to upload!!! We had a great time at the 2009 Cousin Camp. This year I didn't have Chelsey to help me and I missed her! I had 2 more children this year than last year and I was all by myself so things were a bit crazy but we had lots of fun. We painted shirts, went for a picnic, and rode bikes down by the river on the river walk. We were so hot and thirsty after all that action that we stopped and bought an icy on the way home. All the kids got vampire blood except Jenika who got pink bubble gum and Jessica who got vanilla (her favorite color is white!). It is so fun to be with them and watch how they interact with each other and get to know their funny personalities. Grandpa took us all to Pizza Hut that night and then because it was cold we decided not to set up the tent and we all slept inside. That was a mistake becasue we played musical beds all night. I think if I had slept in the tent with them all together the night would have gone a little smoother and I know Dave would have had a better night since he would have slept inside while I was outside in the tent. Oh well, next year I will know better. The next morning we had pancakes and then played kick the can, hide and go seek, tag, and I set up an obstacle course for them. It was way fun and exhausting for Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Chelsey to Arizona

Chelsey is off to an adventure in Arizona. I drove down with her to help her get settled and to bring "stuff" in my car. We followed each other the whole day, listening to books on tape, stopping for drinks, potty stops and a looka around. I had never driven that way before so it was an adventure for me. After 13 hours in the car we arrived in Scottsdale where we met up with Ron and Karen and then Wednesday morning drove the last hour to Gilbert. We got her unpacked, bought her a bed and took a few pictures before I left. Mel and Josiah and kids came to say goodbye before we left. Chelsey on her new bed, Chelsey with one of her new room mates and my good friend Karen and I. We are so glad Ron and Karen are close by to watch over Chelsey. They have been great to help her. She has been searching for a job and things are looking up. We miss her but hope this move is a fun adventure in her life. I all but wanted to pack her back up and bring her back home with me when I left but I refrained. It is hard to let your children grow up. I took off Wednesday night to get part way home. It was a very long drive that included staying in a real dive Wednesday night. Wow it was good to drive back into Chubbuck Idaho. I love where I live!

Jackson Camping Trip

The last week of July we went camping in the Stanely Idaho area. All 19 of us were able to come. We brought horses and went on a trail ride up to 4th of July Creek and the Chamberlain Basin. We hided up to Hell Roaring Lake one day and went to Red Fish lake and took a dip in the freezing cold water. We ate good and had a great time! We celebrated Bryson and Chelseys' birthday while we were there. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa James, Dave and I slept on a nice bed in a warm camper. I've spent a lot of years camping in a tent and it was fun but now that I have camped in a camper.... I think we should go shopping!!! The grandkids had lots of fun playing with each other and staying dirty. We all had a great time just being together.

Table Rock

On July 23rd Chelsey, Rachelle, Nicole, Susan, Kathy and I hiked Table Rock. We started about 8:30 and didn't get to the top until I think about 1:00. We stopped to take pictures on the rocks and crossing the streams and every other photo moment we could find. I was doing just fine until that last assent up the hill to the top. It was so hot and I seriously doubted my ability to make it to the top. Once on top though the view is breath taking and all worth it! Chelsey had to pull and push me up the last half hour or I would not have made it. Susan was able to overcome her fear of heights and we all had a great time. On the way up I was sure I would never do it again. I am too old for this kind of stuff!!! Once you actually accomplish it you feel so good (and sore!) that I may consider it again. Wow, I am crazy!!!!