For Me to Remember

I realize it's October now but I didn't 'do justice' to many of our summer activities and I'm determined to record a few more memories before they are gone from my mind...

Before school let out for summer break, our family made up the "2012 Summer Bucket List" of ideas for experiences we wanted to participate in.  We put it up on our bulletin board as a reminder of our goals and it brought a wonderful feeling to cross items off the list.  We were more deliberate about how we spent our time together.

 Attending musical concerts was on the list. Watching and listening to Alex Boye perform ranked among our favorites.  That man can sing!  And I always cry at patriotic events.

Jantzen (age 10) with favorite golf buddy, Great-Gpa M (age 90)

Jantzen was determined to earn enough money to pay his half for a junior golf pass for the year.  All summer he attended a weekly golf scramble with a group of other boys but Jantzen loved it best whenever his grandparents invited him for a round of golf!

Anna, Jantzen and Brinley learned more about horses this summer with a few private riding lessons during June/July.  Once allergies were under control, Brinley found a new love...

Lots of camping and hiking all summer -- especially for Tanner and Brinley.

 

Tim and Tanner after hiking Table Rock

 

 After much preparation, Tanner participated in a church sponsored 3-day "High Adventure Camp." He completed 33 miles of rugged terrain hiking/camping in the Grand Tetons carrying everything he needed on his back.  It was quite the accomplishment.

Meanwhile, Brinley enjoyed her first year at Young Women's "Girl's Camp".

Something tells me her hiking experience was a bit more 'relaxed' than Tanner's was:)

West Piney Lodge with the 'crazy carpet slide' built into hillside.

 Due to Aaron's church responsibilities, we were able enjoy dinner/fireside with Brinley and check out the camp/tent/etc.  With such amazing leaders, all the girls had a great time together!

Sunset from Tanner's cabin at Sky Mountain Ranch

After Tanner's experience with Sky Mountain Ranch last summer, he decided to apply again for a second year.  Space is very limited and after learning his name was on a waiting list, he made plans to attend a session of EFY instead.  A last minute phone call from the ranch informed Tanner that a spot had become available for him if he wanted it.  It was a neat experience for Tanner to see how the Lord was operating in his life and answering prayers. 

Tanner discovered he, too, enjoyed riding horses!

 It was the perfect combination of work and play and good friends and great food for two whole weeks.  Thanks to the Jacobsen's for making this all possible!

Tanner gave the kids a personal tour of the ranch and his living quarters.

 And just one more camp to mention - the "Annual Cousin Camp-out".

Bob and Janene are really brave to keep this tradition alive
(but I'm not holding my breath for the younger cousins:)).

 The kids must be age 8 to attend and it worked perfectly to schedule the camp while Jared and Stephanie were in town.  The cousins visited Jackson Hole, played in the pool, had a special movie night outside, did skits, held devotionals, roasted marshmallows, made t-shirts, laughed and played, etc.

More to come but that's all for today.