This year the Big Wigs took our family to Aspen Grove for Grands Week. I had never been there before, I had never even heard of it, but I'm happy to report that it was kind of like EFY meets scout camp meets children's day camp and it was a lot of fun!
The absolute craziest part of the experience for me was seeing three friends from various parts of my life--my mission trainer (Sarah Jane), friends from when we lived in England (Christa and Rob) and a family we knew in Los Angeles(Mark and Hannah). At one point Christa asked me if I was alright. "Yes" I responded, "why?" "Well I'm just trying to understand why God felt it necessary to send THREE people from your past to Aspen Grove this week." She's not wrong, how crazy is that?! Aspen Grove holds ten weeks of family camp per summer, and these friends live all over the country, what are the odds that we'd all be there the same week this summer? I still don't know why I was able to reconnect with so many old friends, but I am beyond grateful for the opportunity. I love the people in my life!
The kids were separated into age groups and they all had camp counselors who were students at BYU. The counselors kept them busy from 9-12 and 1-4 almost every day. It was incredible!
Hannah Madsen! At Aspen Grove!!!
Kid breakfast or mom breakfast? Definitely mom breakfast.
Escape room victors!
Talmage got to meet Brandon Mull, one of his very favorite authors. He was so kind and gracious and even signed T's book. Again, what are the odds that he'd be there? And even crazier, he's Mark's brother in law.
Early morning yoga with these two.
T and Owen called each other "besties for the weeksies" but they exchanged numbers and haven't stopped texting so maybe they'll be friends even longer than that?
GAGA ball was everyone's favorite!
Care and I made a goal to accomplish the mile swim challenge. It took me two days and only took her one but we did it and I'm so proud of us!
I've heard about nine square from youth activities and this was my first time playing. It's so stinking fun!
First time loading and shooting and I hit nothing but the middle. Shocked and amazed!
These two looked so cute cuddled up together in their pull-out bed.
These two cousins were in the same group, love that little Blakey!
So were Spence and Quinny.
And also Lace and Ever Knight!!!
While the kids were away, the adults played games and did crafts. Here we are making pottery...or at least attempting haha!
And I made a couple of pens!!!
It kind of feels like yesterday that we were missionaries together in Taiwan, and now we each have four kids and our teenagers were hanging out together at the dance. Such a sweet reunion!
Last time we saw Rob and Christa Talmage was a baby and they were holding him and loving him nonstop...now he's almost as tall as them and they have five kids of their own. What a trip!
I don't have enough good things to say about the counselors at this camp. They were AMAZING and made my kids feel so special and seen.
You know I could never stay too far away from a dance floor!
Another trip to BYU to tour the engineering building for T. He loved it!!
Talmage with the Talmage.
Bring your brother to work day! So fun touring American Heritage School where the kids will be attending and Auntie Care will be working.
"Look mom, I'm Olivia Rodrigo!" Not too off haha!
We wore this baby girl out! Naps whenever she could catch them!
As soon as we were out of the car she ran to check on her sunflowers. They looked so happy she was home!
