Enrichment Meeting: Mother/Daughter Luau-Camp-out

Every August our ward has a mother-daughter camp out. I never get much sleep but this is one event that we never miss. This year I was in charge of the event and we did a Luau theme. My Samoan friend, Sharon, taught some of the girls traditional Hawaiian dances for an authentic Luau show. It was fabulous!! I did tell Natalie after the performance that she was not allowed to move her hips like that at her school dances. :) Caroline loved playing night games with all the other girls around the property. Natalie loved learning the hula and slap dance. I was thrilled that everything went relatively smoothly. I think we had about 150 people attend. I discovered a yummy roasted marshmallow treat.

Camp fire lemon meringue "pie" treat:

1 Sandie brand shortbread cookie

dollop of lemon curd (buy at store--looks like pudding)

1 roasted marshmallow.

First Day of School!

Josh-Senior, Natalie-Sophomore, Jake--Freshman
Caroline--6th grade
Joseph --1st grade

School started last week with mixed reviews. After the first day of school only Joseph was still excited about school. This is the first time in 21 years I will be home alone for 6 hours. I am a little sad that the young children stage is over, but excited to finally have time to get some things accomplished that I put on the "shelf" for awhile.

Deep Cleaning

The summer's busy activities, fun trips and the kids home all day has taken it's toll on our house . I realized how messy and disorganized the house has become. So for the last week of summer we have been trying to deep clean. I told the kids to find something to clean/organized and do it. There was less complaining since they chose their own chores. Some picked cupboards to organize, others washed walls, dusted, and Jake decided to clean the top of the cabinets. It was amazing how much was accomplished with everyone working together. We still are not done and I think the kids are excited to finally start school tomorrow.

High School Soccer Team!!!

Natalie made the High School Soccer team. She is on Varsity, but also plays with the Junior Varsity. It is a brand new High School so the teams are made up of mostly Sophomores and Freshman with a few Juniors and Seniors. Even-though their team is young they have won their two preseason games. Natalie loves the sweats, uniforms, bus ride to games, cool girls and coaches, and seeing the football guys practicing on the field next to them.

Jake's new look

Before

After

I was actually sad when Jake had his signature mole removed this week. He has had this mole since birth and was his little beauty mark. It was starting to grow so the Doctor advised having it removed. Jake loves having a "cool" scar on his cheek instead (14 stitches). He has been making up all sorts of stories to go with it. His latest is that he got caught on a barb wire fence. The Dr. actually said that in about 6 months it will not be noticeable at all. With or without the "beauty" mark, we think Jake is handsome young man. (Top picture--we thought the store sign was great and made Jake take a picture under it)

Great things for families to do at Grand Teton National Park

1. Take the ferry ride to Hidden Falls and then hike the 2 1/2 miles back(make sure your six year old does not wear flip flops).

2. Camp at Colter Bay--roast Starbursts over the campfire

3. Swim and hang out at Jackson Lake

4. Canoe down the snake river from Jackson Dam to first take out point--you will see a lot of beavers, otters, and eagles. This is where we saw a moose and deer.

5. Junior Ranger Program

6. Hike and swim at String Lake

7. Go to Jackson Hole--Go to Yippee-i-o Candy Co. and to a musical at the cute western theater.

8. Get a chocolate ice cream to go at Jackson lake lodge and enjoy the big picture window view.

9. Picnic and Fish

10. Bring games to play (Ticket to Ride, Goblet, Apples to Apples, Blink, and Racko were favorites)

11. Play charades around the campfire.

12 Enjoy the beautiful amazing scenery!!!! :D