Tie Creek

Josh, Ren, Jacob, Abby, Grandma, Shelby

Emily, Shelby, Abby

It was over 100 degrees for the last few days, but we didn't care because we were at Tie Creek Campground. It is a small campground with not a whole lot to do but the one thing we did. Which is floating the river. It is pretty shallow, in some places we hit bottom in our boat. But it was so gorgeous. Pine trees and clear cool water and great company. Stefani and her two little boys went with us. It was great to be with MY cousin too.

Pearl Lake

The beautiful Phoebe
Eight cousins
Blake, Josh, Ren, Shelby, Abby
Emily, Miles, Jacob


Sweet Emily eating an apricot

Shelby and the would be frog prince

Abby, Emily, Ren, Jacob, Josh

When we are in McCall, we love to hike. This time we went to Pearl Lake. It is just a tiny lake and the hike is just under 2 miles. It is perfect for short legs aka the three and under crowd. The mosquitos were brutal but is was so incredibly beautiful. Green meadows thick with wildflowers, meandering creeks, and old burnt trees among fresh green pines. The cousins caught frogs by the dozens and floated them down a little stream. Miles fell in the lake while Rachel was fishing, and Shelby kissed a frog hoping for a prince.

McCall

Kyle and Phoebe
Hot dog roast at the beach

Four cute boys
Jacob, Ren, Kyle, Blake

Emily, Jacob, Abby

Cousins just sitting on the dock

I do love McCall. I just spent a week there with my family. Sometimes there were over 20 people there. People just come and go as they can. Last night we played games and laughed until the tears were rolling. It is so great to have the cousins play together all day. We are so happy to have some of our Virginia cousins here. The weather was perfect including a roaring mountain thunderstorm.

4th of July

Hailey

The Winchester's

The Hansen's

My attempt at firework photography




Our good friends, the Winchester's, came to visit us from Utah. They arrived at about noon on Saturday and we plunked them right in a raft and we floated the river from Linder to Star. Erica and Joe, my parents, and Jordan made up the floatilla. We had 5 rafts, 2 canoes, and a pontoon boat. It takes about 3 hours and it is so beautiful. We saw herons and eagles and played with frogs and a tiny snake. I love that we can do this right out our back door. We came to our house to swim and then went to my parents house for the traditional BBQ. Michael and Kyle had a little nap and we lit off fireworks in the baseball field behind the church. We had a blast.

June Catch-up

Ross, Cassidy,(2nd Cousins) and Shelby

Jon, Shelby and Miles crossing the river

Emily found this little snake


I am really trying to post at least 4 times a month so that at the end of the year, I can make a book. I am behind for June. We went to Tie Creek to visit my parents who were camping there. I made Jon and Rachel come with me because Michael was working. We suprised my parents and really had a fun day. We played in the river and roasted marshmallows and then went home to our own beds.

It's 90 degrees........

Shelby and Miles

Rachel and Sean

Shelby, Addie, Emily, Sean


Shelby and Addie

Happy Day! Finally it is over 90 degrees. We had our first official swim day, although the kids have been swimming in the cold water. The pool is 86 degrees and absolutely perfect. Rachel, Miles and Sean came over. And little Addie came to visit. I love hot weather and think I will retire to St. George. I just finished a great book called These is my words.

P.S. Kyle is waiting for you Josh and Jacob. Please hurry!

Where have I been?

Legacy for the Laurels in our Stake. It is an overnight training camp for the 16 year girls. It was the first time I had been to Legacy. It was wonderful and the food was outstanding. They fed us every two hours. Why does food taste better if you don't have to make it or clean it up? It was great for me to get to know the girls better.

Also, I just got back from girls camp. It went very well, I think. I could have definitely done some things differently, but for the most part we had a great time. My girls are amazing. I have learned to love them so much. It was also fun to be there with Shelby. Poor girl, I didn't get to spend much time with her.

Now I need some suggestions for some great summer books. I am the worst at going to the library and picking a book. Somehow, I always get smut or murder books. I don't want those. I have given up picking books by myself and always have to have a suggestion from someone. I just got through reading the Hunger Games and really enjoyed it. If anyone out there has any great suggestions, I would appreciate it!!