DOG DAYS OF SUMMER - PART I

So since I have a new "journal" format, bear with me as I recap the summer. As I was reading Mandy's awesome blog, I thought to myself............gee, we didn't do squat this summer! Well, I decided to look back through the photos and glance through the calendar. Although I personally didn't do quite as much as I would have liked (e.g. a cruise, Mexico, Europe, etc.) the kids had a very full and rewarding summer!

Since you and I will both not survive if I attempt to blog the whole summer in one post, I have elected to blog in monthly increments, i.e., June, July, August............since I am not capable of a tidy-yet-ever-so-entertaining-wrap of like Mandy's post (see "It's a Wrap"), I will attempt this monthly format. Here goes Part I:

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AT SAMPSON'S RANCH, 2009

We have the most awesome friends who let our entire family go and camp on their ranch near Capitol Reef. Since Capitol Reef is one of our favorite places anyway, this was am amazing experience. This is used as a youth camp for kids from all over the world (not troubled kids....kids whose parents can afford to send them). Unfortunately, due to the economy they were only able to open 4 weeks this summer. Our kids were able to do lots of hiking on the beautiful property, ride horses, ride motorcycles and ATVs, and mostly just play, play play. It was a blast! Thanks Sampsons!!!!!!!!

KATIE - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, JUNE 5, 2009

Katie and friends...........last day of Summit Academy (except Elita who has another year). No more uniforms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Katie was actually really sad.

HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY KATIE! JUNE 8, 2009
Katie at the Ranch

WASHINGTON D.C. - JUNE 9-13, 2009:

A few days after school got out Katie had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. with her school. It was an amazing experience for her; one she will remember always. She worked hard to earn 1/3 of the money by babysitting and used all of her own money for spending $. A special thanks to all of you who contributed to the cause by asking her to babysit!

KATIE AND JORDYN - JUST HANGIN' AROUND

Katie spent lots of her summer hanging out with BFF Jordyn. I think these must be glamour shots.

White Katie went to Washington D.C. Zach went to Youth Conference; June 11-13th. It does not appear that he took any pictures of this blessed event.

Next up is the annual Larsen Family Reunion. It is held in Wellsville and is usually a sun/fun/water event for the kids. However, this year we were bundled up!

LARSEN FAMILY REUNION - JUNE 14, 2009

ROGERS FAMILY LAGOON DAY, JUNE 18, 2009

We had lots of fun spending time with Jim's side of the family at Lagoon. It was a blast. Hannah got to spend time with Kenna who lives in Reno. We love to spend time with them and always have a great time when we get together - not nearly often enough.

CASTLE MAKING DAY: JUNE 15, 2009

I worked on Mondays and Tuesdays during the summer from 7:30 - 5:30. Zach was in charge of one day; Katie the other. One day Zach decided to make castles with the twins. It was a wonderful, all day project. I remember taking pictures of all 3 castles, but for some reason I can only find the picture of Seth's castle. Zach is such an awesome brother!

FATHER'S DAY: JUNE 21, 2009
We had a family gathering at the house for Father's Day. As the hostess I wasn't good at taking photos. Too bad there isn't one of my father! Sorry Dad!

E.F.Y. JUNE 22-27TH

The highlight of the teen's summer is E.F.Y. We just have them go with cousins to the Sandy Institute Campus. They go during the day, all day and evening, and it costs much less than the over-night one. They do all the same things, i.e., meals, dances, classes. etc. but they get some sleep in-between.....well not much sleep as they stay at cousin's houses during the week. They meet wonderful friends from all over that they stay in touch with year round. It is a wonderful, spiritual experience for them. I am grateful for the opportunity.