Be-YOU-tiful: July 2010

Camp Pics: THE END

Bet you never thought this would come! Check out the sign in the window. Hehehehe...

Our last day was filled mostly with joy. Girls and leaders alike were excited to get back to their homes, families, beds and showers. I just wanted a McDonald's! Thankfully Joe knew better and took me to Subway for my first real meal. He didn't even say a word when I went for the Sour Cream and Onion chips... perhaps it was the wild look in my eyes!

I don't think I'll ever get tired of those eyes!

Can you love someone too much? What I'd really like to do is create a line for Build-A-Bear called, "The YW Collection"--complete with voice recordings of their favorite sayings.

The bus did get mighty hot! We all roasted and ran out of water.

Picture taken with permission! Katie fell asleep on the way home from camp and actually FELL OFF the bench. It was hysterical! I'm glad she is such a good sport.

Camp Pics: The Leaders I LOVE

More to be added. But here is what I have so far...

Sister Alder, Stake YW Counselor. I know you've seen her, but I had to include her again. I love this woman with my whole life! She was assigned as my visiting teaching companion before I knew her as a Stake YW counselor. The Lord really knew what he was doing when He gave her to me!

Sister Cooper, Stake YW President. She is lovely and amazing and really gives her whole heart to this calling and to the young women. I am grateful for her leadership, love and support.

Sister Johnson, Stake YW Camp Director. She has dedicates so much of her life to this calling! Can you believe they begin almost the day after camp is finished to plan for next year? Simply sweet and oh so amazing. Thank you, Sister Johnson, for all your dedication to girls camp!

Sister Strickland, helper. What a joy! She joined us on the second level hike and I am SO glad she did! I love her feisty-ness and her down to earth approach for everything. No drama here! I am grateful for the time I had to get to know her and for her service during camp. Not only did she assist with the fun activities, she also helped out in the kitchen whenever needed.

Oh my dear, sweet Lisa! Sister Hagedorn (or Sister Hagrid... because she's so tall, hehe), was the most wonderful Level Leader anyone could ask for. We didn't know each other before camp, but I am grateful the Lord moved me over to her level. She was SPECTACULAR, FABULOUS, AMAZING, and AWESOME. We laughed so hard the entire week. She was good to me and my "dori-like" brain. And though she had to remind me to go to the bathroom or brush my teeth, she always stayed sweet and helped me feel loved. I couldn't have made it through this week without her and her smiling countenance. I really do love you, Lisa and never want to do camp without you in the future!

That's my girl!

Meg leading out in the stake's program. The talks were amazing! Any person listening would have been edified. I know I was. More than this group of ladies will ever know.

The two criminal masterminds hanging out in front of our cabin.

Best time ever!

A shot of the inside. If you look carefully at the window you'll notice we got "TPd." It was so cute. A little bird told me it was Ryen and Stephanie. Thank you, girls, for making us feel special. We love you!

Camp Pics: Hiking and Nature Time

We actually did these on two separate days. The hike was Day 2 and nature time was Day 3. I thought it was a little silly at first, seeing as how we spent a WHOLE LOT OF TIME in nature on Day 2, but the place to where Hannah took us for nature time was amazing! It felt like we were sitting on top of a spring to the soul, where the Spirit simply bubbled up to overwhelm you. I took pics of the girls sitting in the amphitheater, but forgot to turn around and take a pic of the amazing view. Maybe next year. It really was beautiful!

Breaking for our hike midway through. I didn't get any pics on the way down... was too busy trying NOT to get lost!

Our awesome YCLs.

A spot in the sun. It looked so alluring via this angle I had to join them!

A little bridge on the way home.

Jessica and Autumn.

Sarah. You can almost hear here... "Sister Burns!"

This was actually taken on our way to nature time. Hannah took us to the not often used lower camp fire. LOVED IT! And, lucky us, we beat the 4th years there. Kaitlyn later informed me that she was being charitable as her group outnumbered us 3 to 1. Love that girl!

Sighting of the allusive Sister Cooper! Not really, she was everywhere! The girls ADORE here!

So gorgeous. The girls and the scenery. The picture doesn't do either justice.

The other side of the amphitheater.

Okay. I was naughty and snapped a couple of quick pics before testimony meeting on Friday. The flash gave me away. I think this is Meg's hint to stop taking pictures, lol. Wish I would have gotten one of the view. Oh well.

My last "testimony meeting" pic. Nothing like a flashing camera to make the Spirit go "hmmm."

Bannas of the World, UNITE!

I just HAD to capture this on video. It was SO hilarious to me. That's me you hear giggling... okay, laughing loudly... in the background. Timeless!

Camp Pics: YCLs Lead the Way! ...Skit, Campfire & Challenges

The YCLs really were the heart of camp this year. They were given the opportunity to be leaders and most, if not all of them, really took the reins and made camp and awesome experience! I love my YCLs!!!

Altheda. She's got skills!

Sarah. My saving grace on my "short" level 2 hike. Glad she stayed with me! The time getting to know her more was priceless!

Holy crap this girl made me laugh. Over and over and over. Hannah, you are my own brand of heroine! I'd take a shot of you any day of the week and then some! Love you girl!

Stephanie and Ryen. This is the pic that got me labled as a creeper. I understand that is a good thing... at least that's what Ryen's mom told me... maybe she was just trying to make me feel better! LOL. I LOVED having these two with me at camp!

Julia. Sweet, soft spoken, but oh so joyous! She and Sarah got to see the "real crazy" side of me when they opted to stay up in my cabin until 2am. Probably scarred them for life! hehehe

"On stage" for their skit.

Rachel, our sweet heroine!

Chowing down. I love awkward pics of other people! Don't you?

Hehehehe.

Campfire. A special time for bonding.

Gorgeous!

Oh my goodness I loved that these two girls were MY YCLs! Even if they did call me a creeper, hehehe.

All of us hanging round the fire.

Campfire day 2. Don't ask. lol

Mmmm. Does that smore taste good or what?!

Minute to win it, style!

Go Rachel! Go Altheda!

Camp Pics: 4th Years Away!... and Return?!?

At camp they have a tradition of "sending off" the 4th years for their required overnight hike. We all lined up to wish them well. On their return, we do the same thing, only we line up by the pool. The 4th years come running back, drop all their bags, and jump in the pool (fully clothed!). I thought it was fun... especially the return. I mean, how often does one get to jump in a pool fully clothed, on purpose, and not get in trouble! Good think cell phones weren't allowed at camp, hehe.