Sunday, September 29, 2013

Ely's visit and the GrandCamp

Cousin Ely loves and get's along with everyone.  He grows by leaps and bounds every time we are able to catch up with him.  Now he's three, can express himself well, and has lots of things to say. 


He has a zest for fun things :)

Here's the busy bunch having lunch at Renee's.
and popsicle time
This year, Grandpa's campout was different.  Not many of the dad's could come.  And since Rachel was joining in...all the other mom's also wanted to.  We had lots of fun and mixed things up for poor Grandpa.

Camping in Koosharem was a real treat--afforded by Uncle Jeff.
Family heritage at it's best.
catching grasshoppers in the evening
   




I didn't hear Jordan's story with this photo till the next day when he prepared a talk for Primary on prayer.  Jordan and Uncle Ben came to find Aunt Amy and the girls in answer to their prayer when the 4-wheeler wouldn't start.  Jordan stayed with them while Ben went to get more gas.  It was an experience that showed him a great example and strengthened his faith. 

I think the kids like climbing on them more than riding them....



We drove through some spectacular scenery and visited some Anasazi ruins.
Then we took our hike to Calf Creek Falls.  Tessa was a champion and I enjoyed hiking with her the whole way. 



Wow.  The reward.

The next day, we spent a little time exploring at Fish Lake.  It's another spot with some family memories that I enjoyed reminiscing about.


Jenny, the brave soul, shared the piece for her Pocatello Civic Symphony audition.

This is the "girl's hiking club" led by Grandma. :)
Grandcamp was a different kind of success this time around, but a success.  


Golden Spike and Rocket Display

We were able to make it to the Golden Spike historic site with the Clarks in August.  Our visit was timed during a Railroader's festival and a reinactment, so the kids enjoyed some fun activities.  
log stoking competition

Right after this a big wind gust blew a tent over and clobbered Jordan in the face.  He carried around an ice pack for a while and got special attention from the Rangers for being a trouper. 






Riding with Aunt Susie on the electric car :)




Dancing to "This Land is Your Land."


Then Grandpa showed us his rockets!

The sun is always shining when we visit ATK
fun with cousins!
I love it :)

"Pokie"


In August we headed up to Pocatello for our annual visit to the Allens.  They do a good job of making it a desireable destination vacation.  :)  good times, good food and good company... 
    Side trip on the way to visit the bird refuge in Brigham City

We tried to visit a nearby reservoir but discovered that the water had been drained for the potato farmers :)  Good thing the kids have more fun sitting on the jet skis in the trailer!
You can see the emptied reservoir behind Jordan
Our picnic and play at "the Idaho beach" was super fun anyway!


And more water play at home!!



The Allens have the best front yard aka playing field. 100 yards?   It is put to good use. 
Thanks!!

Leisel Lou

the busy baby cupboard

buying some time to work in the backyard


a visit to the library

The skinned nose was a close encounter with the driveway pavement while exploring.

Here's a first steps video.  Pay attention to the cute girl and ignore the weird photographer who forgets that recording doesn't rotate very easily after it is uploaded....


the 4th in Grass Valley

We made it to Koosharem again for the Hatch Family Reunion!  It is a tradition that helps the kids feel and recognize their heritage.  Yea for wonderful second cousins and great aunts and uncles! and yea for tradition!

Cute parade participants!