Moab

I decided that we needed a little road trip and so after Adventure Camp Greg came home early and we headed down to Moab, Utah.  We had been there 11 years before but didn't do much and so we were ready to get our hiking on.  Thankfully one of my childhood friends invited us to stay with them and she encouraged us to stop for shakes at the Moab diner before we got to her house.  They were yummy!  I was a little worried with how all the kids (10 between the two of us) would get along but I was pleasantly surprised and I loved watching everyone play and laugh together.

 We spent all day Friday in Arches National park.  we hiked and hiked and then hiked some more.  The kids got tired but luckily we had to drive between hikes so they got a little break.  At one point Callie said, "I am annoyed at hiking."  She wanted to get carried but it was hurting Greg's back so we promised her a souvenir if she could do it on her own.  I loved Arches.  It was beautiful and majestic.  Delicate Arch was much bigger and grander than I ever thought it would be.  It was a little precarious up there, but no accidents occurred.

 On Saturday we took off to find adventure outside of Arches.  We went to Corona Arch, the Colorado River and Moonflower Canyon.  Nathan wanted to climb everything and while it was kind of scary for me at times, I am thankful he was able to get out and explore nature.  We definitely need to do it more.

 We came back to our friends around 3:30 and the kids had a blast the rest of the afternoon.  jumping on the tramp, exploring their hideouts in mountains close to their home, playing 5 Crowns, and riding a sled on a skateboard down the hill.  We taught them a fun family game where we write silly stories and act them out.  It was funny to see the two families interact a little.  We left early Sunday morning and made it back to our home with 25 minutes to get ready for church (which we miraculously did). It was a perfect end to a crazy Spring Break.  My kids all agree that Moab was a blast and we are so thankful to the wonderful family who went WAY out of their way to make us feel welcome and loved.  I am so excited to try these short get-aways again.  There are so many nearby sites that we have never seen.

Jolley's Ranch

 Uncle Dan and Aunt Courtney came into town so we spent a day up in the canyon playing with cousins.  Grandma brought us a lot of snacks and we all had a blast in the sunshine.  It is really nice to have older children that I didn't have to watch at all times.  I love helping with my nieces and nephews though and it was so nice to hang out with Greg's siblings for dinner that evening without any kiddos (they were all at my house having a blast together).

Adventure Camp

 What an amazing experience my boys had last week.  They needed to make money for scout camp and EFY and so for weeks we tossed around a bunch of ideas.  This is what they finally choose and I was So very impressed with how it all turned out.  The boys were in charge of about 24-27 kids for 2 hours each day for 4 days.  They did crafts, games, science experiments and more.  When I tried to say how I would do it, they asked me not to.  They were up each morning getting the supplies needed for that day.  They worked so well with each of the kids, trying to calm that little ones and being great examples to the older ones.  One day was really cold and they were flexible as we had to move into the garage for most of the activities.  I loved watching them both and look forward to them doing it again.

General Conference

Two of my favorite weekends every year are when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holds its General Conference.  Twice a year we get to gather together as family and hear the words of the Prophet and other leaders of the church.  I know that we have a prophet of God on the earth today.  I am so thankful that I have that knowledge and I know that I am not alone, that god loves us know, just as He did during the time of Moses or Noah.  We decided to stay home all weekend instead of going to Grandmas at is was nice to relax and listen without the rush of trying to go anywhere.  I made my mom's breakfast cake and we ate that both mornings.  The kids are all old enough to be great at listening and allowing me to listen.

 

On Saturday We went outside and worked on the garage and shed.  I was a little worried we wouldn't get it all back together before a little Relief Society activity that was happening that night while the boys were at the Priesthood session.

 On Sunday we went to the park between sessions.  It was nice to be out in the sunshine and spend time together. It was such a wonderful weekend, filled with spiritual learning and uplifting music.  I am so thankful for my membership in the church and the knowledge I have that helps me get through this crazy life.