Utah Trip: More Learning & Camps

 So as I mentioned in the last post--driving to Utah the day after we got back from Wrestling camp was a BAD idea.  I was SO tired.  It was brutal.  We had to make some extra stops too--as we stopped to pick up Quincy and stop to drop off Aidan.  I kind of lost it about 10 miles from home when the kids were being goofy.  But Sarah was my front seat DJ and kept me going with snacks and songs once we couldn't listen to books anymore because we had friends in the car. 

But the girls had camps in UT.  So off we went.  

Sarah LOVED her writing camp.  Each afternoon my village helped provide her transportation, shopping, and housing--since it was a day camp.  She stayed with Sandra Thorne (my mom transporting) and my cousin Shelley (who provided transport.). I went down for the final day--surprising her for lunch and to see her final project.  Libby said next year she wants to do writing camp too--and we'll do a sleep over camp. 

Libby had a rougher go.  After the initial excitement of meeting Geneva Gray and Cyler Sanderson (super famous wrestlers) and the first day of wrestling, she started barfing.  She wasn't able to keep food down for 24 hours (even with my cousin Josie dropping off some meds to her).  So I picked her up on Wednesday morning.  Maybe the altitude, maybe a tummy bug (I vomited on the way up to drop her off a but I thought it was maybe motion sickness from riding in the Tesla--my dad gave us a taste of Ludicrous mode).  But I was super sad and disappointed that she missed out on such a great opportunity to learn.  She wasn't as sad.  Even though Geneva Gray ran out and talked to me as we were leaving saying they hope she'll come back--right now she says Center Circle is enough for her.  Maybe next year they won't be back to back weeks.  Or she could bring a friend.  But it was pretty much a waste of $400.  Not my favorite.  (Also, she left some stuff in the car when we dropped her off, so we had to drive 2 more hours to bring her the stuff.). Ugh. 

Ben has had an okay time entertaining cousins.  But life got a lot better when I took him on Friday to get his first phone.  I've been planning on getting it before school started.  Saving a little on sales tax by buying it here seemed like a good choice. 

I've been soaking up time with Rachel and all the nieces and nephews.  We had a sibling dinner too.  It's been fun to catch up with everyone.  We also worked on a VERY difficult puzzle.  Especially the sky. It's still not done.  Ugh. 

Overall though--my kids are ready to be home.  They miss Buddy.  Libby is missing learning the pom routine for drill.  But--with only one day home, we will head off to girls camp! Wahoo.  Crazy summer!

I love babysitting the nephews and niece.  Ruger looks great in Rachel's hair! 

Ben having fun with his new phone. 

So cute to get texts from him. 

Reagan is super into hats.  She found this hat from my old dance costume.  She asked for some "beautiful white socks" so she could recreate this picture. 

"Kitten in the Sun."

My dad bought a day with this vehicle (a "side by side") at a youth fundraiser.  We took it out yesterday and had a great time in the mountains above their house.  I have never been so dirty.  I really did enjoy it. 

Before--so clean! We should have taken an after picture. 

Awesome views. 

Sarah with her final project. She wrote a great story!  It was 6 pages long.  Really well done. 

Ben trying a tubby with the cousins.  A bit tight these days.  They are getting so big! 

Auntie Trish took them on an adventure.  A trampoline park (looking for AC--sadly it wasn't air conditioned!) and Paces Dairy Ann.

A very warm Get Air experience. 

Saying goodbye to Uncle Davey--heading off on his next adventure. 

Team Goat!  Brad and Ben at Lagoon. 

Sarah and her BFF at Writing Camp

The cousins (Ben was at the Wood's and the girls still at their camps)

Sibling Dinner at the Dodo

Getting pics! 

Sarah's camp location

Libby's favorite part of Wrestling camp was that it was on a working ranch.  She loved the sheep. 

And the kitty. 

Meeting Geneva Gray (she's a college coach, coached her sister in the Olympics, and just an awesome ambassador for Women's Wrestling)!  We were the first campers to arrive.  Libby was super star struck.  

Today is our last day in Utah.  We'll have a birthday party for Aria, Rachel and Libby.  Then back home tomorrow! 

Libby and Quincy on the road trip to Utah. They had a good time taking LOTS of pictures.  I'll just share this gem.