Girls' Camp (brought to you by cats)

Maysen is back! She seemed to really enjoy herself. Maysen loves drawing pictures of cats, so here is her camping adventure told by cats.

First is a picture of the drive up. Rylee is holding an ipod and the others are singing. Maysen is in the back rolling her eyes.

Back: Gabby, Maysen

Front: Amy, Rylee, Sister Massy

Maysen is getting her hair braided. She was NOT happy about that. They had a Wizard of Oz theme, and wanted all the girls to have hair like Dorothy. So, while her hair was getting braided, she was drawing a picture of how she didn't like her hair being braided.

Sister Gedge braiding Maysen's hair

Amy and Rylee looking on

Maysen's favorite part of camping was caving today. They went to Raccoon Mountain Cavern in Tennessee today. She LOVED it! They had to wear helmets and crawl through several parts of the cave. Mike was able to go with her. They both agreed that their tour guide was the best tour guide they have ever had. Below is a picture of Maysen and Rylee watching their tour guide. Rylee just asked if they were going up the ledge that was ahead. Their guide said, "No, we're going this way." Then he ran and dove head first down a small hole. A few seconds later he came around the back side and scared everybody.

Bobby,

Maysen & Rylee

Their guide also asked them to turn their helmet lights off for a moment. While everyone was talking in the darkness, he managed to climb way high in the cavern and was sitting on a ledge when everyone decided to turn their lights back on. I bet Stockton would have gotten a kick out of him. I wonder if you can request tour guides....

Alyssa Sleeps Over

Jorja has been bugging me for over a year to have a friend sleep over. Well, she really wants to sleep at a friend's house, but I'm not going to call and invite her over. Anyway, this afternoon, Stephanie called and invited Jorja to go swimming with her girls. They were at the pool for about two hours. When she dropped Jorja off, I ran and asked Stephanie if Alyssa wanted to sleep over. Jorja was pretty excited. Alyssa is sleeping in Preston's bed that we have set up in Jorja's room. Last time I walked by I heard singing . . .

Mike is gone up to girls camp with Maysen (miss them both), so I thought this was as good as time for a sleepover as any. Plus, Jorja starts school on THURSDAY! Way too early to start school. Stockton's pretty excited because his school isn't starting until August 16th.

Bye-Bye Davies

Bishop Davies and his family are moving to South Carolina next week. We are really going to miss them. They moved into our ward shortly after we did. They have three boys. Jeremiah (Maysen's age), Zachary (Stockton's age) and Joshua (Jorja's age). I adore those boys. I am really, really sad for Jorja though. Andrea Davies is Jorja's primary teacher. She is irreplaceable. Jorja loves her so much. We are really going to miss her.

Jorja & Sister Davies

As we were walking to the ball field, I overheard Stockton talking to Preston. He said, "Do you miss Maysen? I do." I thought that was so sweet. I miss her too. I hope she is having a great day. I hope it's not too hot for her. Wait a minute, what am I thinking . . . of course it's not too hot . . . this is Maysen we are talking about after all.

Girls Camp

Maysen went to girls camp today. I miss her. I hope she is okay. I've never been away from her before . . . except overnight . . . oh there was the one time Mike and I had to fly to Georgia to look for houses. Maysen and Stockton stayed with Shannon and Sherry. I hope she has fun. I hope she's safe. Did I mention I miss her?

In other news, Stephanie painted my toenails bright pink. She even put a little flower on my big toe. I think I have only had my toenails painted . . . never. Well, not that I can remember anyway. I wonder what Jorja and Preston are going to think.

It is Stockton's 1/2 birthday. We went to Stevie-B's to celebrate. Really we went because we had some free pizza coupons that were going to expire . . . it was delicious.

My dad, John & Cassie are driving to Ohio right now. I hope my dad stays awake.

I Love You More Than Puppies

Preston came up to me today and in the sweetest voice said, "Mom, I love you more than puppies." Then he just grinned at me and gave me kisses. Wow. He made my heart melt. He is such a sweet little boy. I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Today is Marie's 2nd birthday. I hope she loves Japan. We miss you Marie! Happy birthday!

Broccoli and Chicken

If only I had a camera at dinner, then I could show the many faces of Stockton. Let's just say he lets his mom feel so good about her cooking . . . good thing he gets to have it again as leftovers tomorrow.

Fill or Bust

We had a nice day at church today. Spencer Caro passed the sacrament for the first time. I can't believe how old he is getting. I taught the CTR 5 class. I found out right before I left for church that their teacher was sick. I tried to print out the lesson, but I couldn't get the internet to work for some weird reason. When I got to church, I told Mike I was going to run to the primary closet to get a manual. He whipped out his i-pad. He had already downloaded every manual. That was helpful. I read my lesson during sacrament meeting. It was on sharing. I was suppose to bring something to share. So, after I finished teaching my lesson, we shared Mike's i-pad. They LOVED that.

Mike gave a short family home evening lesson. He made this tower that looked like a cone. At the bottom was a picture of earth, at the top was a picture of Christ. He talked about how when we help each other we become closer to each other and closer to Christ. If we focus on the things of the world we get farther away from Christ and farther away from each other. The kids really liked it.

We played Fill or Bust to end the day. Haven't played that in awhile. Maysen's goal was to score no points. She succeeded and was so proud.

Little Duck

This morning we took a quick walk by the lake. Jorja wanted to walk all the way around it, but we discovered we should have done her walk before we packed up. It was way too hot when we set out. Jorja did get to have a few moments to enjoy the ducks. I love these pictures of Jorja and Preston. Can't you just see how Preston adores her? If you couldn't guess, the feeling is mutual.

Jorja & Preston

When we got home from camping, there were two giant boxes from k12 on our doorstep. I wasn't expecting anything. It looks like they sent us a computer and a printer. Along with other accessories. We haven't opened the boxes and the packing slip was missing a page. I know k12 will send you a computer if you need one, but I didn't ask for one. I'm not sure if I just send it back? I'll have to call on Monday. I don't want to pay shipping for something I never ordered though. Maybe I will keep it.....

Camping

We had a great time camping today, other then the fact that it is so sticky outside. We spent the day at the little beach the campground has to offer. Of course I forgot the water toys, but the kids had fun burying each other in the sand. The water felt perfect. It's not as pretty as Bear Lake, but it is wet. Mike was halfway in when he said, "I feel as wet above the water as I do below."

Jorja

Preston
Maysen
Stockton

Preston

Maysen & Mike burying Jorja

Stockton in the Sand

Jorja

Jorja & Maysen burying Preston

Preston

After the beach we were craving some airconditioning. We took off and went and saw a movie. Talk about perfect timing. We got there about five minutes before the movie we wanted to see started. (We had no idea when the movies were playing.) Anyway, we saw Despicable Me. Stockton loved it. I was less impressed, but it is good for Stockton to watch a movie he likes - that is a rarity.

On the way back to the campground we stopped and got pizza. Mike made spaghetti for the girls. I asked Stockton which pizza he liked better. Pizza Hut or Grandpa's Pizza (which is Totinos). Grandpa's Pizza is the winner. Overall that's good for me.

The rest of the night was spent playing Bananagrams, Pegleg, Smores and one more trip to the beach. Stockton watched Preston on the playground while I went to the bathroom. I realized when I came back why it's not always a good idea to have Stockton in charge.

Preston ~ Stockton is in charge

Preston & Maysen

Off Again

We are heading out the door to go camping right now. I wrote a list of items the kids needed to pack. I had to veto Maysen's clothes. Does the girl not know we live in Georgia? Does she not understand how unbearably hot it is out here? We are camping outside, in July, in Georgia and what does she pack? Long pants and sweaters! I'm serious. I let her keep one long sleeve outfit, but I switched the thick sweater for some reasonable clothes.

**Our campsite was great. We had a playground right next to it.**

Toothpaste

We are out. Please send more Mike.

Haha. I make me laugh. I just bought some toothpaste today. It is the first time I had to buy toothpaste in three years I think.

Maysen got elastics on her braces. She is not very happy about that. Hopefully she is almost done. Maybe another six months?

Not much exciting news to report. Lots of laundry got done. Preston was super hard to get to bed today, so that was fun. I only gained four pounds on my trip, so I was happy about that.

My bed felt so good last night. It is nice to be home.

Sticky Oven

We are now back in the hot, hot, hot Georgia weather. I feel so gross and sticky. I think the kids are use to it and it doesn't bother them, but it sure bothers me! We got back home without incident . . . except if you count Stockton causing a pileup on the escalator when he tried to get a penny or the fact that Preston got off on the wrong train stop . . . I ran out and got him back before the doors shut. Anyway, it is nice to be back with Mike again, everyone was so happy to see him.

Today is my grandpa and my brother Matt's birthday. I hope they had a great one . . . sorry I forgot to call . . . .

Seven Peaks

I started this morning by playing racquetball with my brothers. Each of them had to have a turn with me. I declare Brett the winner because he is the only one who won a game with me as a partner. It's got to be harder having me on a team then it would be to face two people by yourself. I was more obstacle than teammate. It was really, really fun though.

I came home and got the kids ready for Seven Peaks. It was funny, Jorja packed the cooler. She did the entire thing. She put chocolate milk bottles and water bottles in it. Then she got some ice out of the freezer in the garage, filled it up and started dragging it to the car. Scoop saw her and helped her get it in. What a cutie.

Right as we were leaving, Shannon called and was taking Jacob to the doctor. Weston had jumped on him and his mouth was bleeding. We were suppose to meet them there. I asked the kids what they wanted to do. They decided to go to the Smith's and wait for Jacob, even if it meant not going to Seven Peaks at all. Luckily when we were almost at the freeway, Shannon called and they were on their way.

I think everyone had a fun time. Stockton and Brandon went down the steep drop off slide. They didn't realize what they were in line for until they got there. I asked Stockton what he was thinking when he saw the slide. He said, "This is the worse idea of my life" or something like that. They both went down the slide though. Preston and I went down the slides over and over. We were headed to go on them again when I realized Preston was stinky. I had told him before we left that I only had one swimming diaper (I was not going to buy an entire pack) and that he needed to tell me if he needed to go potty. So, that was the end of Preston's swimming day. He teared up and kept saying, "Just one more slide?" I really wanted to take him, but I didn't. I went home with my kids and left Stockton with Shannon to bring home.

Jorja, Brandon, Weston,

Stockton, Erica, Maysen, Preston & Jacob

Jorja, Maysen, Preston

We had dinner up here tonight. Stockton took forever to eat 1/4 of a hamburger. Over an hour. Why is meat so hard for Maysen and Stockton to eat? I don't get it....it's delicious.

Rylee is here now. Her uncle dropped her off this evening. Erica is also staying over. She traded places with Stockton. I hope he has a fun night. Jorja felt like the odd one out. I hope she gets a good night sleep.

July Birthdays

We celebrated the July birthdays in my family today. Matt's is on the 20th (the day we leave), Marie's is on the 27th (the day after she gets to Japan), and Ange's in on the 31st. (We celebrated Bubs' birthday at the cabin, so he didn't get a double dose.) I dropped Maysen off early at my dad's house, and she helped Rachel make Marie's birthday cake. This was the first cake with fondant Maysen has made. It turned out really cute.

Rachel & Maysen

Marie, Maysen & birthday cake
Ange, Matt & Marie
Irresistible Marie

Rachel, Marie & Brett

Marie opening cute little scriptures with her name on it

Princess Marie

After dinner, cake and presents, we played Scum. I won. I almost choked and lost to John, but I did not. It was pretty impressive since I started the game as Scum. Nicely done.

Free Fry Day

Cassie had her baby shower today. Rachel, Ange & Shannon (Jex) were all able to go. It was fun except I was annoyed that I left my camera card in my laptop.

When I got back to Steve & Shannon's house, Preston was so sore. He had been swimming and his swimsuit rubbed his legs raw. He has been walking around like a cowboy the rest of the day. I held him until he fell asleep, then Maysen, Erica and I went shopping. First, I spent a ton of money at Deseret Book. Maysen has wanted a quad, so I decided to get one for her birthday - but I wanted her to pick it out. Later in the day, I realized I forgot about the gift card in my wallet! Now that's more annoying then leaving a camera card. Anyway, after Barnes & Noble I stopped at Khols. Maysen hates Khols, so she waited in the car. I had the most amazing find there! Feet jammies! The kind Maysen loves and just her size! I was so happy!

Okay, enough about shopping. When we got home, Steve was getting ready to grill hamburgers and hotdogs. Arctic Circle has free fry day on Saturdays (why they didn't do it on Fridays I'll never know). I called for all kids who wanted free fries to come and load up. I got all of my kids and all of Steve & Shannon's kids in the car (except Spencer). At the drive through I asked for 9 free fries. When I told the server I didn't want anything else, they asked if we wanted complimentary cones. I told her I didn't want to take advantage of them. The kids were teasing me about it, so when we got to the window I said I changed my mind and we wanted to take complete advantage of them. They were super nice there. Stockton thinks we need one in Georgia.

Easy Day

This afternoon I went shopping with Rachel while the kids played at Steve & Shannon's house. That made everyone happy. We had a relaxing day. The kids actually went swimming at a neighbor's house. Hope the neighbor didn't mind the invasion. Shannon got me a Zuppa salad and sandwich. (Not sure if I spelled it right, but it was very yummy.) Then I played Ticket to Ride with Maysen, Erica and Steve. It was Erica's first time playing and she creamed us! I love having the girls this age. They are so fun to be around. PLUS, added bonus....they found SHIVER!!! Preston is so happy!

Jorja & Oscar

Cowabunga!

On the way back from Idaho yesterday, Jorja was asking what day her baptism would be. She said her birthday was on a Tuesday. Preston said, "Your birthday is on garbage day?" I thought that was funny.

This afternoon we went to Cowabunga Bay with my family. We had a really good time, even though I was cold! The weather was suppose to be in the 90's, but when you are standing in line up high for those water slides, it's cold! I guess the wind didn't help. Stockton was pretty funny in the lazy river. He would sit on a tube with his feet inside. These kids kept trying to dunk him. They would flip up the tube. Stockton would dive inside and end up sitting exactly how he had been before the tip. He was undunkable!

One of the fun things about the water park was they let me take Preston down the slides while I was holding him. I've never been anywhere like that before. He thought he was pretty hot stuff to be big enough for those slides. (Hot stuff's my mom's phrase. I like it, so I'm going to use it.)

After the water park, and after I found Jorja (scared me to death), we went to the Mayan. I had never been there before. The kids weren't too happy to be going to a Mexican restaurant, but they were good sports about it. They loved it when we got there. Not the food, but the atmosphere. They had diving shows you could watch during dinner. The divers came around to the table afterwards, Preston told them they were crazy.

Maysen, Jorja, Stephanie, Preston, Stockton

Maysen, Stockton, Preston, Jorja watching the show
Crazy divers with Stephanie, Preston & Stockton

One diver name Celeste talked to us for awhile. She asked us if we would like to go behind the scenes. The kids were really curious what the tunnel looked like. We talked to the divers for about fifteen minutes back there. It was pretty neat.

Celeste & Jorja backstage

Top: Jorja, Maysen, Stockton

Bottom: Rachel, Preston, Max, Grandpa, Cassie & Marie, John

After dinner, against my better judgement, I went to my dad's house to play Ticket to Ride. Maysen wanted to play. It was already almost an hour past bedtime, but Maysen wanted to play. The other kids were patient with me. Stockton did try to carry me out after the game. Guess I was taking to long. At least I won! Maysen came in second, just a few points behind me. Pretty good showing for us!

Borrow a Name

Grandma told me an interesting story about her mom, Harriett Larkin Borrowman. She said the Borrowman last name was made up. Their last name (a long, long time ago) was McGregor. Back when they were living in Scotland (I think). Anyway, their was an order to kill all the McGregors, so the McGregors sat around trying to think of a name to change theirs to. Someone suggested Borrow-man, because they were borrowing a name. I'm not sure if I got all of the story right, but it was kind of fun. Hope no one decides to get rid of Smiths. That would cause chaos.

We are back in Utah at Mike's house. The girls are happy that Scoop and Cori are here with their dogs. After the kids got to bed (super late), we played cards.

Loving Palisades

We spent the morning cleaning the cabin. The water behind us is Palisades Reservoir. I love it up here. It is so pretty. Especially with the reservoir full. I had such a great time with my brothers. Hopefully I'll be able to see them lots when we get back to Utah. It's harder though. Before we left, my kids were all able to have a ride on the 4-wheeler. They all really enjoyed that. I can't believe it's time to leave already!

Jorja, Stockton, Maysen, Stephanie, Preston

Maysen & John
Brett & Preston

Stockton & John
Jorja, Brett & Marie

Lincoln, Jorja & Cassie

Brett & Marie

Marie driving!

Seriously? Jorja can hold Marie, but she won't let me? What's up with that?

Marie & Jorja

The Cousins (missing Skye, Larkin & Abby)

Front: Marie & Preston

Back: Jorja, Stockton, Maysen, Lincoln & Ella

We stayed the rest of the night at my Grandma & Grandpa Parry's. Preston was asleep when we got there. He walked inside, grabbed a cookie and zonked himself out on the couch for another few hours.

Preston

Stockton & Jorja running to the playground

Grandpa & the flag he used to cover his fox hole in the war.

Grandpa with some of his medals.

My Uncle Steve was singing tonight by the river with his group The Not Brothers. It was time to go, and I couldn't find my keys. I searched and searched. I walked outside wondering if I lost them when I was cleaning the mud off of Stockton's shoes. I said a quick prayer, looked down and there were my keys. I was standing in the middle of the backyard. I guess when I ran outside to take the picture of Stockton and Jorja running to the park, my keys must have dropped. Thank goodness for answered prayers.

Steve & his group were great! I loved listening to them. Stockton and Maysen were even laughing a few times. Especially on the song about life being hard if you're dumb. They also sang one of Maysen's favorite songs from when she was little. The Marvelous Toy....or something like that. I was so glad I was there.

Uncle Steve

When we got home, my grandma & grandpa showed me old movies & slides that Uncle John had put on a DVD for them. It was so amazing watching my mom when she was little. I liked seeing my mom best, but it was also cool to see a younger grandma & grandpa....and seeing my mom with Sue & Kris. Bet they're having a great time together now.