June Rafting Trip

Because we thought we might be going to Switzerland in August, we decided to schedule our first rafting trip early. It was great! It was not as cold as we thought it might be, and we had beautiful weather! Several families weren't able to make this trip, but we had plenty of help. Last minute, we recruited Aimee Barber and her three sons to help with the paddling. Some of the Koford family was also there for the runs on Friday.

Our three oldest grandsons were in hog heaven - they got to go on every run! We needed them, and it is very nice that they are old enough (and strong enough) to be great paddlers!

Ready for the 1st run of the year.

This was Lisa's only run, but the first of FIVE for Tyler, Justin and Nathan!

Had to snap a pic of Justin in his cute bonnet!

The second run.

"Here we are!"

Rachel and Bo were ready to head to Elbow for a kid run. We try to take a run on the upper river just for the younger kids every year. There isn't much white water up there, but it's a good 15-20 minute run for them. Last year, Bo and Rachel screamed the whole way, but this year? No tears!

Some of the kids that were crammed into the Yukon for the trip up to the put-in.

The kid run crew.

Thanks to Tyler, Justin, Baylee, Amberly, Austin and Nathan for going along to paddle. It's not a very exciting ride for them, but we couldn't do it without them!

Little Rachel at the end of the ride.

Baylee, Grace, Amberly and Ashtyn - taking care of business.

Making s'mores

Playing games Justin brought back from scout camp

Jeff visits with ClaireK

Chris and Debbie Koford adopted a daughter from Russia. Her name is Claire. On her cup, she wrote C L A I R E K. So, of course, Jeff and Mike started calling her Clairek. She protested, and tried to explain, but they didn't listen - they never do!

Crew of Saturday's first run.

Little Bo uses all his strength to push Dean in the Tonka truck.

Back at camp, the big Tonka Truck is star attraction! It was mostly the bigger kids, pushing each other and the smaller kids around the camp ground. But once in a while, one of the little ones gave the big ones a ride. There were tons of roots in the ground, which made for a bumpy ride - but that made it all the more fun!

Cousin Camp Collage

Tyler and Justin wanted to see who was taller. I'm thinking they are about the same height, but with Tyler's curls... Alli and Audrey snuggle in a camp chair by the fire pit. Three silly cousin faces, Allison, Marianne and Audrey. Cousin buddies, Dunc and Bo.

Nate shows off the bruises he got from Mike's game of BINGO!

The crew of Saturday's 2nd run.

Fathers' Day Collage

I think it was Dena's idea to have everyone send her their best photos from the England/Scotland trip so she could put together a collage for Dad. She also decided to wrap it in brown paper, decorated with travel/UK stickers, and personal messages from all of the family.Some of the great-grandkids gathered around Dad as he checked out his Fathers' Day gift. They were anxious for him to open it and started to help - thank goodness for Scotch Tape.Once he had started to open it, and realized what it was, he started to choke up.I think Dad LOVED his gift! He shows it off to everyone who comes to visit.

A Special Day for Lisa

We had the special opportunity to go to the temple with Lisa when she received her endowments. She has wanted to do this for a long time. All of our children but Danny and Sharon were there with her. Sharon had run in a ragnar and was stuck between Ogden and Park City. Gus and the other local in-laws were in the temple. Lisa's Grandpa was especially thrilled that she chose to go to the Ogden Temple.What a blessing it was for Lisa - and for us!So happy that Dad was able to be there!Two of Lisa's close friends - Leah and Amanda - stayed after the session for a pic with her.

Carson's Baptism Day

Carson was baptised by his dad on June 5th. Congratulations, Carson!

Marianne's Graduation

Marianne graduated from Kindergarten, and invited us to the program. Here she is in her pretty yellow skirt - probably the best singer in the whole show!

Young Ambassadors

We invited any of the family who wanted to go, to the Young Ambassadors' Concert at the Conference Center. We had a few takers. Amy actually went with us, but wasn't in the pics. The kids and Amy sat right close to the front, and some of the little kids were all but dancing in the aisles. They caught the eye of many of the cast, who came down and talked to them afterward.