A Visit From The Blairs

July 21 - 24, 2016 - Michelle, Shane and Gavin came to visit California for a few days. We did a couple of beach/pier excursions, ate at Ruby's, Mama Cozza's, the Pancake House and the Mongolian BBQ place. It was fun to hang out and visit with them.  We miss them a lot and enjoy their visits so much.

Heather's 17th Birthday

Heather's 17th birthday was celebrated with her favorite things...She invited her favorite people to go to the mall and have lunch in the food court and shop at Hot Topic, then it was back to our house for Butterbeer milkshakes, presents and cake. Lizzie and Kenzie stayed for a sleepover. As a bonus, Aunt Michelle was here too.

This girl continues to be amazing, and we're so proud of her. She has blossomed into a beautiful young woman. She's happy to be entering her last year in high school (because she wants to be DONE with school) and plans to enjoy the social aspect with her friends as much as possible. College is around the corner, and she is feeling more and more independent.  Happy birthday sweet Heather! We love you so much!

Girls Camp - Camp Zion 2016

July 8-16, 2016 - Girls Camp took place back in Kolob this year and was named Camp Zion. We started preparing for this camp months ago when I was asked to head the food/kitchen committee.  Instead of making menus and gathering a committee to feed the girls, myself and my two assistants were called to prepare menus such that the girls could cook for themselves. This involved dutch oven and/or foil dinner cooking. Kelly was a rock star purchasing a dutch oven and trying many recipes ahead of time in our back yard. We narrowed the recipes down, created a menu that included nearly each meal being prepared by the girls, shopped for supplies and hauled everything to camp. Kelly drove a large truck with the food supplies and other gear while I drove our truck.  We got to camp early and set up our little family tent in the aspens.  Heather and Jenna helped each day with clearing the area of cow pies (yuck!), helping with the big shopping at Costco of the perishable food items, loading the refrigerated trailer that brother Hoke built, and setting up the kitchen area. We had boxes for each ward which we filled with their necessary food items and menus, and the girls came to pick those up before meal prep each day.  The girls and leaders reported that it was the best food and best camp experience they had had where the food was concerned thus far. There is a feeling of accomplishment that comes with hard work, and our stake president knew that. I was happy to follow his council, and grateful for Kelly and my two side kicks.  Kitchen ladies rock!

As for the rest of camp....haha.  It wasn't all about the food for Heather and Jenna. Heather was a 6th year leader, and boy did she impress! We were filled with joy to watch her take that leadership role and run with it. We received compliment after compliment on her hard work and leadership skills. Jenna, who does not enjoy camp, was a trooper, and she was able to be with friends and do the activities. It was great to be up there as a family and have our daughters check in periodically at "the kitchen" to say hi.  This was a great camp experience!

Fourth of July

We managed some awesome bacon burgers on the grill after Heather and I came home from AX, thanks to chef Kelly.  I miss fireworks and block parties from when we were young. Barbecues and watermelon and listening to big fireworks shows, some of which we can see from our house, are our new tradition. I guess you love what you learn in childhood so, I'm hoping our girls will have some fond memories of our 4th of July feasts.

Anime Expo AX 2016

AnimeExpo 2016 rolled around again. It covered July 1-4.  I missed the three-day pass sale so, I went on Saturday and Monday.  Heather, Kenzie and Kat dressed as characters from Soul Eater, then Death Note and then Soul Eater again. AX has some of the nicest people who all love the same things. The girls found the entire Soul Eater clan and they were all excited to find the entire cast of characters the they all made time to take pictures together.  She and Kenzie are like celebs when they go.  And if they find others from their favorites (like the school dudes pictured above) they might as well be meeting celebs themselves.  Lots of mutual appreciation all around.  I'm happy to spend time with the girls, and I love watching them be so happy.  Oh, and Heather met Nate from Nate Wants To Battle.  He's a talented musician who has put out his songs on Youtube and has now produced and released an album.  She was over-the-moon to run into him and get a picture with him.