Summer 2013

This has been the busiest summer we've ever had.  Right before summer started we had a visit from someone Scott baptized in Argentina, Javier.  He is an amazing guy and I'm super glad we got to meet him and get to know him better.  The day school let out we left for Yellowstone.  We had a couple weeks of downtime and then Christian took off for Camp Big Springs.  A couple days after that he and Lyssa took off for Arizona.  Then we had the O'Connors visit for the 4th and went to the Stadium of Fire to see Kelly Clarkson (it was awesome) and then the Youngs visit.  The next week was Girls Camp while the kids did Vocal Motion camp, followed the next week by the Reece reunion.  Then we watched a lot of kids.  I took a weekend trip to Idaho and finally we had a couple weeks to get bored before school started today.  I'll post pics soon of the first day! 

Princesses

Alyssa and Christian went to Arizona for a couple weeks this summer to stay with friends.  Amber, Alivia and Soran got invited to the Princess Festival at Thanksgiving Point.  They had a great time!  And I must say they looked beautiful, too.  They got to do some quests, meet "real" princesses, hunt for things and listen to stories.  And the highlight was the free snow cones. 

24th of July

My woodsmen



Livi and Soran racing in the pioneer obstacle course

Who are those dashing young men with such beautiful mustaches?

Amber trying out the slingshot

For my sister's birthday this year she wanted to go snorkeling.  So we went to Midway and rented some gear and snorkeled this crater.  The water was a beautiful blue and about a perfect temperature.  It was a lot of fun!

Crater water

What Scott did most of the evening (phone) and Soran at the Gutter of Fire

Lyssa and Krystina checking out the fireworks

I love Amber's expression as she watches fireworks



Girls camp

Me packed for the overnight hike

Lyssa on the A-frame walk

Canoeing!  It rained on us but it was still fun

I had such a great time at camp this year.  I was a little daunted by the task as we had 25 girls and 10 leaders but it turned out great, and I am already getting excited for next year.  Highlights: Christ walk and the awesome job the 4th years did, 4th year overnighter that got rained out, hanging out with the other girls, the food was amazing!!!, fires at night, marshmallow guns, secret sisters who give shell bras, and the great Spirit at Shalom.  I feel so blessed to be have been able to go. 

Reece reunion

Reece family 2013 (minus Mike, Karen and Alexis and families--so 8 more people.  When did we get so big?)

Thompson family

This year we had my reunion at my brother's new cabin.  It's an amazing 3 story, bigger-and-better-than-our-house cabin.  We had a great time, I wish I had gotten more pictures.  Highlights: GPS trek in the hot sun, water balloon fights, makeovers, art afternoon, movie night, yoga with Grandpa, family history sharing, great food and fun just hanging out in the beautiful canyon.  Thanks, Ben!  It was great.  



Christian's a Webelo!

Getting his badge

Me helping him pin my shirt (scary).  I love this picture with Soran's arms wrapped around him!  He gets his Arrow of Light next week.  I am proud of him as he actually put forth the effort and asked about getting stuff done this time instead of me pushing.  He's getting so grown up!

Hiking the Y

To kickstart the summer we hiked the Y on Memorial Day.  I was so proud of our little family.  We made it up pretty easily and with almost no carrying!  That's good as it's a steep trail.  It was a perfect day and the trail was crowded, but we conquered!