Girls' Camp, as promised

Alright, as promised, I will now share about Girls' Camp. I'm so sorry there's not very many pictures to share, but I was literally in the kitchen ALL DAY LONG! We (the three cooks) cooked for 130 people every meal, every day. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I haven't worked physically so hard since we worked on the ranch. We were up at 4:30 a.m. to be in the kitchen by 5:00. We would start breakfast, serve, it, clean it up, then start lunch. We'd do the same thing over and over all day long. Every once in awhile we got to put our feet up for a few minutes, and one day I decided to forgo rest and ride the zip line instead. It was so fun! But very high. The hardest part was getting up there (40 feet up a narrow post), and the second hardest thing was getting enough courage to take that first drop. But once I was in the air, I was fine. I'd totally do it again. I gave a little waive before I plunged:

I originally wanted to go to camp to spend the week with Haley. But she was busy most of the day, and so was I, so we really didn't see each other much. But at least we were near each other all week. So I guess that counts. She slept in a tent with some friends. I think that was her favorite part: socializing with friends. She just loves Girls' Camp. This was her second year, and hopefully I'll get to go back next year, but maybe not as a cook. Or maybe as a part-time cook, if they have that position. I'll be sure to bring ear plugs. We had a snorer in our cabin. But thankfully, our high councilman ran to the nearest town pretty much every day to get needed items, and he picked some up for us. I was able to sleep for a few hours each day, and I even took two showers!

The best part was the scenery. I had no idea it could be so beautiful in central MT. We woke up with deer grazing on the lawn, and it reminded me of the days at the dude ranch. I love being up in the mountains, so all the work was worth it!

July fun so far...

Last night we decided to have our annual backyard fireworks show. We can't do it in the front because a patrolman lives just a few houses away. We don't want another ticket. So we started out fine, with the boys still patient and controlled, and Grace waiting in unexpected bliss:

But that scene only lasted a few minutes. When we let the tanks loose on each other for our annual war of the tanks, Grace and Matthew both started crying, and the boys were jumping up and down laughing. It wasn't long before I had to take the little ones in and have them watch (still crying) from a bedroom window. Can't wait until tonight...

Matt's new favorite place is on the deck. It's like a new room out there with the roof. We put some plants and chairs and a coffee table out there, and we all love it. Matt especially likes it because that's where the dog's water dish was, and he would go splash in the dog drool water. We've since moved the water dish to under the deck, and Matt still likes to go out and play.

Doesn't he look like a big kid here? Breaks my heart...

He even has his own little chair. It's really cute to see him try and back up to sit on it. He loves his graham crackers, and sometimes shares with the plant.

He also likes to cram himself into places he really can't fit that well.

The basketball hoop is a big hit. We're always out there every day shooting hoops. Matt didn't want to be left out, so he grabbed a ball (soccer ball, but a ball nonetheless), and tried to shoot it all the way up in the hoop. It fell a few inches in front of him, and he laughed and clapped for himself every time.

Matt's not the only one enjoying the new deck. They just make themselves right at home. Even Mojo (Sam's dog) loves it!

Andrew got home from his trip to Utah. I'll publish those pictures as soon as I figure out how to get them off the email my mom sent and onto the blog.

Next week we get to ride Thomas the Train when he comes to Billings. Can't wait! They've never ridden a "real" train before. I have only in Boston, so it's been awhile. Speaking of Boston, GO RED SOX!!!!!