Swim for your life. . .

What would summer in 118 degree weather be without swimming? It would be pretty hot and sweaty that is for sure.

Our kids really love it in the water (well, Tyler being the exception!). So, we signed up TJ, Natalie, and Elaina for the city summer swim team. The head coach, Denise, is incredible! She can work wonders with these kids because she really knows swim and she relates to the kids. She has a way of making them each feel so special when they visit with her. It has been a really great experience. It is a lot of hard work though!Even though it was "summer break" the kids had to continue getting up pretty early to get to practice. Then they swam laps and laps, re-learning 4 strokes (butterfly, breast stroke, back stroke and freestyle) for an hour a day. Then Mom still made them do their work at home (plus a little extra math practice for good measure). But, it all paid off at the meets. They had a good time competing, improving their times, and getting a ribbon for each race. It was fun for them to spend time with friends. I enjoyed getting in some great visits with my friends too!

Here are some fun pictures from the swim meets:

Travis took the kids to their first meet while I was at camp. He does it all! What a guy!

T.J. diving in for another race. And our buddy, Lucas, getting ready for his dive.

Elaina with her friends watching a race. And Natalie ready to go. I love how intense she is when it comes to any competition!

Go Chandler Dolphins!

Oh What Do You Do in the Summer Time

One more week of summer for my kids! It has felt really crazy, but has been a wonderful time. I will be posting some of the fun things we have been doing this summer in the next few posts.


The first week after school got out, I headed off to Girls Camp.



Our campsite at Long Valley.



I love Girls Camp and had a wonderful time with the 5 girls that were in our group this year. We also were happy to get to spend some time with the 4 YCL's from our ward as well as with the 3 YCL's over our ward. Some of the highlights were: making kick the can ice cream, playing the cup game, singing trees, the skit, a fierce game of Minute to Win It with Bishop, Carne Asada, doughnuts (right Shums??), hiking, showers (always a highlight at camp), the owl hoodies (lucky or wise?), wind and more wind, the Friday night program and of course testimony meeting. These girls were so much fun and so great. There was not one argument or disagreement. I don't think anyone felt left out or lonely as sometimes happens when you get girls together over a long period of time!







One of the best parts of YW Camp is that it gives the Young Women and their leaders a special chance to grow spiritually. We can certainly feel close to our Heavenly Father when we are surrounded by His creation. Combine that with hours of preparation of loving leaders and teachable moments and the learning opportunity is a powerful one.





My moment of learning came when I wasn't expecting it. I was really touched by the older girls and the program they put on Friday night. I didn't realize that I would need a whole box of tissues! It was interesting to ponder my calling as a leader of these young women and to feel like they were the ones teaching and inspiring me. I was impressed as they told personal stories of how they have stood up for their beliefs and values, sometimes standing alone. Some spoke of how they have been strengthened as they have kept the commandments even when it was difficult. I was touched as they sang of living our lives as examples of what we believe. I felt that these young women are a choice group of people and I know they will be a force for good as they continue down the path they have started on.


Girls Camp is always a memorable and great time. I am so lucky to have shared this experience with these girls and with our other great ward leader, Alisha!