One Scary Sabbath

Yesterday started out to be like any normal Sabbath. John is in town and we are going to church as a family. I love our ward. I look forward to see each person there each week and enjoying their friendships.

John and I are sitting in Sunday school getting ready for it to begin when the 1st councilor in the bishopric came in beckoning us. He took off at a dead run and so did I.

There was Nicole laying in the hall way passed out. Now normally I would just assess her and watch her til she came around but you really can't do that when she is laid out at church. I was calm in trying to arouse her as others around are watching. She finally comes to the party. Well, that was exciting. John helps me get her to her feet and we take her home to sleep it off. Or so I thought.

I am helping her get into her pajamas after we get home when it happens again although this time she starts seizing. She is having cluster seizures. Those are where several happen in a row.

Over the course of the next 7 hours she has about 50 seizures. By 10 PM it seems like they are finally over. We put her to bed in our room so we can hear her better. I am not sleeping very well as I think that any minute she will start seizing. Midnight, 2AM, 3AM, 4AM nothing. I fall asleep around 4AM. 6AM and they start again. This time there are not as many clustering together. By 4PM Nicole has had a total of 71 seizures.

I finally speak to the doctor who has me come in. CT, MRI of course doesn't show anything. But she is admitted for observation as well as an EEG.

Please Heavenly Father, Help the doctors help Nicole.

Parting

I put John on a plane this morning for him to go back to Wichita. I am driving back to UT. I miss the times we have together. I loved this time because even though we are working on ourselves, we have the time to be with each other, to bond again.

Thanks to the Orr's for the wonderful time we had, for opening up your home to us, for sharing your children with us.

It is a sad parting not only for John and I but for us saying goodbye to our dear friends. We love you guys. God really knew that we needed friends like you guys and I believe that is why he put us in each others paths. I thank God for you regularly.

Happy Fathers Day

With Journey over now I can concentrate on John and celebrating Fathers Day. I am so glad we are able to be together today. We attended church with our friends and after barbecued with them too.

Our relationship with Dale and Teri is so easy. I know I have said it before but I am grateful to them for being so loving and giving to us over the years. We have shared good times and bad times together.

We reminisced over how we became friends. Years ago our stake was going to the temple in Dallas. Dale knew John and John invited then to go with us in our van to Dallas. Teri was unhappy that Dale had done that because she didn't know us and was afraid that she would be stuck in a vehicle for all that way with someone she didn't know and she might not like. Well, so much for that. We hit it off right from the start. What a great friend ship we have.

Today being fathers day I want John to know what a great father I know he is. Sometimes he doesn't think he is but I know he is. Right from the start he has been a hands on dad. Changing diapers, feeding, burping, bathing. Every night he would read to the kids. That was his area and time with the kids because he worked long hours and left before the kids ever woke in the morning.

He taught the kids about nature every where we went. Look at this tree, look at the way the river flows, here is this plant or that shrub. Fishing, camping, biking, skiing, hiking are all things John taught the kids to love.

We are obsessed with the full moon. Our children will call us each full moon to make sure we know it is full.

You are my one and only, the love of my life, the most amazing father and husband. You are my rock, you and my life line, you are an example to me. Thanks you for being teh father to our children and an example for them in all you do.

Journey Day 5

Today was the last day of Journey. What a week. I am glad I went and more importantly I am grateful to have learned all the things I did about myself. John wants to attend next year and I know I will be ready to participate fully in a group setting. Nicole has been wanting to go to Journey for years and John and I both feel like next year will be her year to go.

I have a tool belt full of new tools to help me in my daily life. I have a new outlook on life. I have a new appreciation for others and the blessing I have been given.

I am grateful for the love my husband has for me, the support he gives me, the constant nourishment he gives my soul, the shoulders he bares me up with and the light he brings into my life. Thank you, Johnny, for believing in me. For allowing me to be my true self. No one else has every believed in me like you do. No one else has ever thought I could conquer the world like you do.

Journey Day 4

The best thing about today is I reconnected with an old friend. Sherida! I saw her just as John saw her. She had been attending Journey this week too but with so many people here we didn't see her. It has been a quite a while since we have been in touch. What a great reunion we had.

We went to lunch together and just caught up with each other. Good friends, good times. Thanks Sherida for making my day.

Journey Day 3

Each day is more self discovery. Right now I am working in a group by myself. Last year I went to Journey and didn't finish the whole course. Not that I didn't think that it was good or it would not benefit me but it was more of not feeling like I could share my feelings openly and without being judged. When sharing feeling about yourself we all want to be in a safe place. That didn't happen, mostly because of one person who was goading me and kind of taunting me. Needless to say I left and each time I tried to return I kind of had a panic attack.

I know, you are saying to yourself about now: "That doesn't sound like her." Well, it may not sound like me now but it was me at that time. Today I have to say I feel safe and secure. But I also feel safer working in my own group for right now. It is not exactly the same as being in a group and hearing all they have to say and learning from that but I have had a lot of introspective of my life and where it is going at this time.

I am grateful that i am allowed to work as I need to to gain from this experience what I can. Not everyone would let me work on my own and I may not be getting everything out of it I could but I am learning about myself and am grateful for the knew knowledge I have.

Tonight we went to John's cousins home in Mesa. David and Sheryl opened their home to us. John and Cheri came over also with their children. It was so great to see everyone. David and Sheryl's daughter made a fabulous Lemon Pie from their own lemon tree. So great.

While we were visiting with them, we were speaking of how our children are. When discussing what was going on with Christian we learned that one of the kids there also had the same diagnosis as Christian; Neuro-Cardiogenics Syncope as well as Mitro-valve prolapse. It got me thinking that maybe it is hereditary or is it just coincidence. I will have to investigate this more. Maybe there is something to it. It would be great is there is a study going on at Mayo or Cleveland Clinic that he could get into. Anyone have an idea?

Thanks to our sweet family for thinking about us so far from home to invite us over for an evening of love and enjoyment. We love you guys and wish we didn't live so far from ya'll or you from us. We always love getting together with family.

Journey Day 2

What a fun time we had with the Orr's last night. We swan in the pool although I thought it was kind of cold and we just sat around a talked forever. Our friends are the kind of friends that we just pick up right where we left off. No getting to know you stage no awkward stuff in the beginning. So nice.

So, yesterday was a really hard day at Journey. Well most of it was OK but towards the end we did this exercise where you write down all the junk anyone has ever told you over the years, for example, you are stupid, your ugly, I don't want to play with you, your not my friend, your fired, etc, etc, etc. Then you pair up with someone and the music is up really loud so you can't really hear the other person and they can't really hear you. You tell them how it all makes you feel and stuff. Then you take your paper you wrote the stuff on and put it in this huge bonfire outside and watch it burn up. Well, actually it was quite freeing. Everyone has junk in their life and everyone wishes they could get rid of it. Well this is certainly a great way to do it. John and I just stood there and watched all our junk burn up.

When we went back in to the conference center it was like starting over with a clean slate. Rebuilding who you are and rebuilding good thoughts you put in your brain and good thoughts that others put there too. We are constantly in flux about how we feel about our selves and how we want others to feel about us.

Now the work begins. It is not about me or I, it is about us and we. How we as a group, family, couple work together for the greater good of all is what it is about. We can't do anything on our own. It is not all about us and what we can do for us. 'We are a family, a community, a congregation, a state, a nation.'

What I do today can affect the rest of my life.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad

Today is my parents 60th wedding anniversary. I am so happy for them. Staying married for that amount of time shows commitment, love, sincerity, joy, selfless action, team work, dedication and forgiveness.

Anyone married that long has these qualities and more. Anyone married this long knows how to work together for the greater good.

I am grateful for them in my life. Of course life has not always been easy. They raised 5 children. Some with health issues, some not wanting to be raised their way but all of them learning and growing in a loving family.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

Journey

Last night I drove to Phoenix. Today I am shopping at my favorite places; Last Chance, My Fairy Godmother and Scotties. I don't get to Phoenix that often but when I do the first place I like to head is Last Chance. They have amazing deals on over-runs, returns and seconds for clothes and shoes. I looked at the clothes and usually i find great deals but this time I don't think I was in the mood for new clothes as much as I was for new shoes because I couldn't find a thing I liked.

But shoes, now there is another story. I choose a pair of Uggs for Nicole for Christmas and a pair of Ugg slippers for her to wear right now. I also got a pair of Uggs. Plus 3 pair of Puma's 1 pair of Born's for me, 1 pair of Steve Madden for Christian as well as a pair of Cole Haun's. And a Dooney and Bourke purse. I was in heaven. What a haul and what a savings. I love to shop and get a deal.

I shopped all morning so when I picked John up at the airport for our 5 day conference I wouldn't feel compelled all week to shop.

Our conference is called Journey. It is a "Journey" to self improvement. Each day different areas of life are discussed for example, debt. There are lessons on how to get out of debt, lessons that as members of our church we have been taught our whole lives. For example: Take your debt and make a chart with the most expensive interest rate first. As you pay that one off you take the payment from that bill and apply it to the next bill and so on until you are out of debt. By paying off a bill that doesn't give you the right to use that money as free money you are to use it to free another debt. Not only do we work to get out of debt but we work to stay out of debt.

There are times we work as teams to solve problems and times we work things out our selves. Other areas we will be working on are Relationships with God, Health and Fitness, Family Relationships, Work Environment and so on. I think there are about 10 areas. I was somewhat worried when I knew we were going to work on Relationship with God. I don't like it very much when others tell me how I should believe or what I should believe or I am not right in my beliefs. I guess we will see what that entails. John has taken this course before and says I have nothing to worry about.

The best thing about this week I think will be staying with our friends, Dale and Teri Orr. We have missed them so much and can't wait to spend time with them.

Liz goes home

Today Liz went home. What a sad day for me. I love her just like my own. She came into our family 8 years ago. She fit in right from the start. What a great addition to our family. The Lord could not have brought anyone better suited to our family then her.

The time she spent with us this trip was very memorable. Each one of us had different memories; John and I took her to Kennecott Copper Mine, Promontory Point, The Olympic Park, Temple Square and Saratoga Springs. Why there you might be asking your selves? We love to go out there and sit watching the lake and Mt Timpanogus. Nicole and I went to Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Christian Utah and Nevada. So much fun. I can't wait to spend time with her again.

Zions Nat'l Park

Leaving St.George today is bitter sweet. We have had a great time down here and an even better time visiting with Lisa. Thanks so much for letting us crash at your home. It is beautiful.

Headed out to Zions today. One of our most favorite Nat'l Parks. When the kids were little we camped and hiked all through this park. Their first full fledged hike on the own accord was Emerald Pools. They hiked to the very top pool, Christian was 4 and Nicole was 3. What troopers they were.

When you go to the park these days you cannot drive all the way through it like you could before. Now they have these little buses you ride that drop you off at strategically placed spots.

We parked at Zions lodge and caught the bus. First stop was the main visitors center. There you can get an overview of the park, its background and what there is to do at the park. Quite interesting.

Next we rode the bus just around to all the sites without getting off so we could just get a feel for what was happening. Nicole picked up a brochure at the ranger station on horseback riding. From that moment on she was set on riding a horse that day.

When arriving back at the Zion Lodge she made a bee line across the street to the horse corrals so sign up for a ride. No one wanted to go on a trail ride so she was on her own. Come to find out, the people running the trail rides are good friends of our Uncle Burns Black, he owns the Rockin' R Ranch in Antimony, UT. The ride was so great for Nicole. On her adventure they came across a mother dear having a baby in the brush. Very exciting for all who where there.




This is what I found upon returning from getting Nicole on the trail ride. They looked like they were having a great time together.





Nicole's bright smiley face after the trail ride. She was so happy. Especially since she wasn't able to ride horses last year at the ranch. Amazing what a horse wil do to this girl.



We picnicked on the big lawn at the lodge eating wonderful sandwiches on Hotel Utah Rolls, Salad, cut melon and chips. After this adventuresome day a nap was needed.



Before we headed out of the park we walked down the the Virgin River and Liz put her toes in.



On our way back to Lehi we stopped in Springdale to see our friends daughter Megan who is working at a hotel and going to school. It was great to see her.

City of Lights (not Paris)

Las Vegas is one of our favorite places to go. There is so much to do with the strip, Broadway shows, concerts, food, water recreation and seeing friends. What's Vegas without seeing the 'King'




Our family has been to Las Vegas many times although Liz has not been here and she was just like a kid in a candy store. Everything was new and exciting for her.

We saw the lions at MGM, took our pictures in front of the New York, New York hotel and started up the strip on foot. As many of you know there are things you just don't do in Vegas like take cards or pamphlets from those on the street. Unless you want to get an eye full. I can't believe how much more bold they are getting.



The temp in the city today was 118. Talk about HOT. Even I was a little uncomfortable. We hunted for a long sleeved shirt for Nicole so she wouldn't be so overcome with all the sun on her skin. We finally found one in the ABC store, way in the back on clearance! What a find.

The water show at the Bellagio fountain show was just as amazing int he day as it is at night.




Of course we went in also to see the hand blown glass flowers. What a site. The gelato here is also worth devouring.




Shopping at Caesars, Fashions Place, The shops at Venetian and Fremont Street.

Oh, Fremont Street. How we love you. A visit to Vegas is not complete without going to Fremont Street. The vendors, The street musicians, The weirdos, The light show. We love to people watch and this is definitely a great place to do that. In New York City a few years ago we saw a man use spray paint on cardboard to make pictures. At first it just looks like a bunch of nothingness, then amazing pictures appear. We saw a guy here like that. He made a picture for Nicole that looked similar to the Wasatch range. Mountains, trees and a waterfall.



Each week Fremont street has a surprise concert. FREE! No one knows who it will be. You are never going to believe who was playing when we were there.

KISS!!! Now I am not a big KISS fan but WOW. They were awesome. What a concert. It was just for 40 minutes but that will be 40 minutes I won't soon forget.

Of course we had to have the buffet dining experience. We choose World Buffet at the RIO. It has never disappointed us. Although the wait was 70 minutes it was great. Food from all over the world, Americanized of course, but good just the same.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is one of the most amazing structures not only of its time but this era too. To build the dam the Colorado River had to be moved. Moved you say, How can that be?

Two cofferdam needed to be constructed. Construction of the upper cofferdam began in September, 1932, even though the river had not yet been diverted. A temporary horseshoe-shaped dike protected the cofferdam on the Nevada side of the river. After the Arizona tunnels were completed, and the river diverted, the work was completed much faster.

The cofferdams, rock barrier, and diversion tunnels were all completed before the spring floods of 1933. The engineers watched nervously to see if the dams would hold. They did, and the diversion tunnels easily handled the flood waters. The work of actually building Hoover Dam could begin.

It took over 21,000 people to build this dam.



Nicole was too tired to come with us to see the dam. So we left her resting in the vehicle. Sometimes a nap a better then the site. I know it is for her.

If you haven't been to Hoover Dam before or haven't been in a while you may not recognize this picture.




It is the Hoover Dam bypass. This bridge has been in construction for several years to divert traffic off the bridge. For the many people who have never driven across the Hoover Dam, that activity will be a thing of the past in the near future.

When you go across the bridge each side is in a different time zone. Christian is standing by each clock showing the time zones. It's awesome. Have you seen the movie 'A walk to remember'? She stands in two places at once. Well not only did we stand in two places at once but also was in two time references at once time. What a thought.

St. George

Continuing South our next stop was St. George. Temp 113. Now, I love the heat but those with me, especially Nicole, was having a hard time of it. We decided to find an indoor activity to provided some coolness for Nicole. We came across this great find: Johnson Farm.

The Johnson Farm houses exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur tracks, fossil fish, fossil plants, rare dinosaur remains, invertebrates traces and important sedimentary structures.

This site is described by many paleontologists as "one of the ten best dinosaur track sites in the world" and is one of the most important discoveries in Early Jurassic paleontological history. It gives a 'snapshot' of an ancient ecosystem, and a wonderful opportunity to reconstruct, study and understand it.

Who would have thought right here is St. George, UT there would be this amazing find.





We topped the day off by having dinner at TX Roadhouse with our friend Lisa. We also will be staying at her home for 2 nights.

Cove Fort

This road trip is lots of first for each person. Some of us have done some things but not others.

We arrived home kind of late last night but had enough time to do laundry and pack some things for our cooler because we were headed out again early, this time with Christian.

Our first stop was Cove Fort.

The fort was built to offer protection and refreshment to the traveler. Beginning in 1847, pioneers began settling the high mountain valleys stretching from Idaho to California. They came here to worship in peace and to build homes and communities. The fort is made of lava rock, which workers hauled from west of the property. The fort is 100 square feet, 18.5 feet tall, 4 feet thick at the footings and 2.5 feet thick at the top.

In 1867, the prophet Brigham Young called Ira Hinckley and his family to come and direct the building and operations of the fort.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has restored this Fort and it is open to the public for tours. What a great place of history. I would recommend this to anyone traveling along I-15 in UT for a stop to rest your body, walk the wiggles out and see this splendid fort.



This is one of gun openings. As you can see the wall is very thick, about 2 feet.




The pioneers didn't waste space or resources. This cradle was used for their babies but when they didn't have a baby or needed more sitting space they could turn it over and it was a bench. Ingenious.



Of course we have to have the obligatory covered wagon picture.

Tetons and Jackson Hole

Our dreary day continued as we traveled on the Tetons Nat'l Park on through to Jackson Hole. I so wanted Liz to see the majesty of Tetons. But, the closer we got the more I knew she was not even going to catch a glimpse of their beauty. We did see beauty of another sort though....



This mama moose was hiding her baby but with patience on our part we were able to catch a small glimpse of it.

Jackson was a treat for all of us. Liz had not been to a western town before so each thing we saw was new and exciting. We shopped, browsed, and eat. My favorite place to eat is Merry Piglets. YUMMO! It is Mexican and quite good and filling.



I wanted to go next door to this yummy bakery for a cookie but when we got there were no cookies to be found. All sold out. I guess we will have to save that for another day.

Headed out of Jackson we saw this beauty.



We took the long way home and detoured over to Bear Lake and Logan. I had forgotten what a beautiful drive that is. I wish it wasn't too early for raspberries.

Yellowstone, Day 2

After our super fast drive back to the Yellowstone Valley (because it took so long to see the East side)(and we had to get into the construction zone before they closed the road for the night). We were able to see 4 Elk this time going through Mammoth Hot Springs. I guess they are held up somewhere.

It was so much fun to hang out with my brother and sister-in-law barbecuing and visiting. My nephew and his wife came by also to see us. I have not seen them since they were married. Good food, Good family, Good times.

Saying good-bye this morning was sad. I don't get to see my brother very often. Thanks for the love.

This time going into the park we went down the west side. We hardly stopped anywhere because it was raining so much and very foggy. It was hard to see anything anywhere so why bother trekking out in the wetness. Dang!

We did stop at Old Faithful. By then the rain had subsided mostly but right before we arrived Old Faithful blew. Oh well, good thing there are many other things to see around there while you wait for the next time.

Hello, Yellowstone!

Our hopes were dashed when we woke to dark clouds and wind, but, we headed out anyway.

My brother got his map out and suggested places to see. (One of which was not to stop at the petrified tree.) We had never been on the east side of the park before. My goal was to see a bear. Is that too much to ask for.

Traveling through the Yellowstone Valley toward the park was breath taking. The Yellowstone river meandering along the side of the road leading us to the park.



Along the way, Nicole and I were telling Liz of the many things we were going to see. First we would see elk, then probably bison. We entered Yellowstone near Mammoth Hot Springs. As we drove closer I expected to see a plethora of elk. There were no elk by the hotel, no elk on the great lawn and no elk on the way. No wait! ONE ELK! Can you believe it, ONE. So disappointing.



Continuing on our way toward Tower Falls. I have seen pictures of Tower Falls and it is beautiful. Zipping down the road we pass a sign that says :to petrified tree". Well the girls saw this and they wanted to go so off we went. It is a narrow road and dead end. Have you seen a petrified tree. Well, once you have seen one you have seen them all.



Of course we took the obligatory pictures and piled back into the truck. Around a bend we drove and all the traffic is stopped. Well maybe this is where the elk are. I jump out with my camera and look what I saw!!!





What a cutie bear cub! He had just slid down from being way up in the tree. When he slip down he started scratching his back on the tree. We couldn't have been more lucky. When the bears where on the road they were a mere 30 ft away. I was getting nervous that they were coming closer. No sooner had a thought that then they went down into the little meadow next to the road.

What an experience. So glad we went to the petrified tree after all. As we came out of the Petrified tree area we saw another brown bear loping up the hill. Can you believe it? 3 brown bears. What are the odds. My day has been made.

Our next stop was this pretty little falls off the side of the road.



As we passed Tower Falls we came to a meadow. Many cars were stopped on the side of the road. Of course we had to stop and get out to see what everyone else is. I can't believe it....luck has shined on us today. Across the road in the meadow was this lovely site......GIZZLIES!!!




Holy Smokes!! 2 brown bears and cub plus a grizzly mama and cub. All in a matter of an hour. SO this is where all the great wild life is hiding, on the east side of Yellowstone Nat'l Park.

We sat watching the grizzly's for about an hour. So amazing. Words cannot describe watching this mother with her cub. She didn't let it get too far but yet let it think it had some freedom. Much like we mothers do.

Montana Bound

Since Nicole is feeling better this morning I am not letting the last few days mess with our already laid out plans so....this morning Nicole, Liz and I left for Livingston, Montana to spend a few days with my brother and his wife. It was actually our base for our adventures in Yellowstone.

Liz has never been to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. When she lived with us we traveled many places but not really much of the West.

I wanted to drive through Jackson, WY on our way but we kind of got a late start so we went the fast route through Idaho. Pouring rain almost the entire way. I hope this is not a prelude to our whole trip.

Liz and I had a wonderful chat as Nicole slept almost the entire way. We made a quick stop in Idaho Falls and introduced Liz to Taco Time and our favorite thing....crisp meat burritos. So good.

Since Liz has been here we have pointed out Temples along the way on different journeys. On our way today we saw: Draper, Jordan River, Oquirrh Mnt, Salt Lake City, Bountiful, Ogden, Idaho Falls and Rexberg. She is adding to her list. She has seen Frankfurt, Timpanogus and San Diego.

We arrived late and headed straight to bed. Hoping and praying for a bright sunny day.

Girls Camp Continued

Nicole had many amazing experiences. The leaders and youth counselors couldn't be anymore great. They love the girls. They care about them. I love to watch how each one interacts.

After I left Mutual Dale, Nicole hand tooled a leather bracelet. Next she made a shoe bag to put her muddy shoes in. After she made a headband with a rosette sewed on it. Somewhere in there they had lunch and dinner.

I was so happy to see how the girls interacted one with another. the thing that made me the most happy........How happy Nicole looked. I love to see her smile. I love to see her twinkly eyes. I love to see her love others and be loved back. That is the most wonderful feeling in the world.

To know you are not being judged, to know that when someone is helping you they generally want you to succeed. To know that each person at camp loves yo as much as you love them. That is amazing.

As usual, testimony meeting was after dinner around the camp fire. During testimony meeting Nicole was going in to the lodge to get a jacket as she was cold. While walking down the rock stairway she misstepped and hit her head and elbow. Things seemed to be ok but on their way to the lodge Nicole began to seize. She had nine seizures and was taken by ambulance to Utah Valley Reg Hospital. Her YW teacher rode in the ambulance with her and stayed with her until I was able to get there.

After arriving at the hospital and assessing the situation, her youth counselor, the nurse and the YW president all showed up. WOW! I was overwhelmed. They didn't need to come but they did. They love Nicole and cared enough to come all the way to Provo to see how things were going. Thank you Heavenly Father for meeting the needs of Sweet Nicole. Meeting the needs by calling these wonderful women to serve in Special Needs Mutual.

Nicole was X-rayed and scanned. The damage...A broken left elbow. A cast and instructions and we were on our way home.

The next day we went to the church at the time the girls were to be delivered back. We pulled into the parking lot. Girls were unloading their things and standing around saying their good-byes. As we were spotted our Durango was surrounded by girls and leaders. The special needs girls were grateful that we came. Seeing Nicole help put their minds at ease. The YW leaders were grateful we came also. They were worried all night about how things were going to turn out. Putting their minds at ease was a priority for us.

For all they do for us each week, the love they show our kids, the experiences they give them. Thank you for serving selflessly. Thank you for showing my daughter unconditional love. Thank you for all you do. We love you.

Special Needs Girls Camp

I am grateful for the programs Nicole is able to participate in since moving to UT. One of those programs is Special Needs Mutual. Today the girls from Special Needs Mutual are going to Girls Camp. They are camping at Mutual Dale in American Fork Canyon.

Girls Camp is an amazing opportunity for girls to get together. It is a time for bonding, testimony building, crafting, hiking, campfires, testimony meeting, building friendships.

The leaders put forth such effort on the girls behalf.

Nicole was nervous and excited to go. Of course she had been to camp before but she has not spent the night away since the fire. We both were apprehensive. As soon as Nicole arrived at the church most of her anxiety went away. She saw many friends there and her YW pres. said Nicole could sleep right next to her. Both of us felt so much better. So away I went to go climb Timpanogus with Liz. (that will be another post)

When I arrived home to pick up Liz, Nicole had called because she forgot her pillow. Of course I will bring it to her. (only because it is on my way to Timp)

So much fun to see her enjoying herself at camp. When I arrived she was making a pillow and eating Red Vines. They girls had been on a hike already, too. Next up was to make a shoe bag, a leather bracelet and a headband. It looks like things are under control here. Nicole has a huge smile on her face. I am glad she is having so much fun.