The Great Outdoors

Connor and I both went camping at the end of July.  He went to scout camp, and I went to Young Women camp.  Here's Connor with his troop.  I love all these boys.  They are all such great kids, and they are very close with each other.  I hope it always stays this way...

One last picture before he left for six days...

Luckily, Mike was up there for a day and the other scout leaders took some pictures, so I have a few to post.  Here are the boys setting up camp...

They had a frequent visitor to their campsite.  "Bambi", as they named her, would come right up to them and just stand there.  I'm sure she was hoping for a handout from the fellas...

While there, Connor was able to earn five merit badges...

While he was gone, I went up to Young Women's camp as a leader for three days.  I had been in Young Womens, either as an advisor or a member of the presidency, for the past three years.  But, I actually got released in January.  I was surprised how sad I was about it.  I always thought I'd be a little relieved to be released--which I was, don't get me wrong--but I was also pretty sad about it too.  Well, about two weeks after I was released, I was called to be on the camp committee.  I was so excited!  It was a nice way to ease my way out of the Young Womens program slowly.  And, I got to spend some extra time with these amazing girls...

We seriously have the best girls in our ward.  They are close with each other, and the older girls look out for the younger ones.  And, the best part, there in little to no drama.  I don't think I've ever known a Young Women's group to have as little drama as these girls.  They're amazing...

As you can tell from the about pictures, our stake had a super hero theme this year.  Each ward had to come up with their own super hero that tied into the Young Women theme, motto or values.  We decided to be the "Integribles"--playing off of the Incredibles and Integrity, of course.  We made shirts with the Incredibles I (the shirts were purple since that's Integrity's color), masks and gloves.  But, of course, no capes!!  It was really cute!

We had a great time while we were there.  I think the leaders had just as much fun as the girls...

I love all these ladies...

All the leaders that were up there--minus a couple that went home a little early...

Our camp committee, minus Deborah who had been up earlier in the week...

The funniest part about this picture is that Lisa and I didn't plan the kissy face thing.  We both just did it and were trying to hold it for the picture without busting up...

It was a blast!  Both Connor and I had a great time at our camps.  I don't think I've ever seen Connor dirtier than when he got home from scout camp.  He was caked in dirt and grime, and he was clearly not in the mood for pictures...

Such a fun week for both of us, but I think we were both happy to sleep in our own beds that night!  --Lindsay