4th of July weekend

Over the fourth of July weekend we went back to Pine Grove Furnace. Thursday night we hung out at our camp site. Friday we spent the day at Laurel Lake with my SIL Maria and her two boys Mitch and CJ.



Dale fixes Kaden's boo boos.

Saturday morning started out with a hike up Pole Steeple. We hadn't gone far when Bryson had to stop and relieve himself! LOL!

After we had been to the top Dale suggested we go down a different way. He assured us it was only a few more minutes longer. HA! It turned out to be two miles longer than our trip up the mountain! These next few pictures were taken on the way down. We're all exhausted and Kaden was crying over being accidentally poked with a stick. Kaden did pretty good on our hike, but toward the end had to be carried.

We're still trying to figure out the best way to cook while camping. This time we tried the gas stove, quicker than an open fire. The day before we did do hot dogs over the fire, and of course, smores!Sunday morning breakfast we used our electric skillet. Avery, Bryson and Kenzie were the cooks for that meal.

Each time we camp we come up with a list of what we need for the next trip to make things easier. We have a gas stove, now we're thinking a portable gas grill would be nice too!

Our next camping trip is to Knoebels Amusement park with our good friends the Baughman's. Can't wait!

Ward camp out

On June 26th our ward (church) had a camp out at Pine Grove Furnace. We took our camper while the others camped in tents. It was loads of fun! I'm so glad we went! Here are some pictures from our weekend. Ashton holds Jacob. He is fussing a little, but he only cried once the whole time we were there! How come I never got a baby like that?
Kenzie

Kaden and Ashton sharing a snack.

The ward provided the hot dogs. Families brought whatever else they wanted to eat. I made a crock pot full of Mom's calico beans and shared them with my ward family. Several people asked for the recipe, so here it is:

Calico Beans

1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1/2 - 1 t. chili powder

3/4 cup brown sugar

4 t. prepared mustard

4 t. molasses

1 chopped onion

1 16 oz. can kidney beans (drain)

2 16 oz. cans pork-n-beans (wouldn't have to drain)

1 16 oz. can butter beans (drain)

Combine; place in 9 x 13 dish. Bake approximately 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees. Can use crock pot to keep warm after baking.

ENJOY!

Just hanging out.

Kaden's face after a really good hot dog!

Who is that masked man?

Ashton found an adorable frog! In this first picture he's on Kaden's shoulder.

Anyone want Bryson to make them a smore? He's got the chocolate! UGH!!

Looks good Karen!

Tyler

Bubba, you are just so darn CUTE!!

Kenzie on the beach at Laurel Lake the next day.

Joe and Dale chatting away the time.

Ashton and Bryson in the lake.

Kassie

Hike up those shorts Avery!

Brady and Kaden play in the sand.
A little girl time.

Corey and Bryson

Brady started burring Ashton in the sand, others joined in, even complete strangers!

Where's the rest of her?

Who's the bigger kid, Bubba or Brother Barrington?!

If the ward has another camp out next year, we'll be sure to be there! Great fun!

Girls Camp

Kassie and Ashton have been at Girls Camp since Monday morning. They arrive home today sometime in the early afternoon. I had the opportunity to visit camp Tuesday night. As one of the Young Women leaders, I was part of a fireside that night. As part of the program I got to teach the girls a song that my mother taught me -- "This Little Light of Mine".

When we first arrived at camp Kassie was part of a group leading camp songs. I believe in this picture she is doing the motions of a dog. The look on her face is because she knows I'm taking her picture!
Ashton was enjoying her first year at camp! My understanding is that different groups of girls were given different counties to learn about and better appreciate. Ashton's group was Jamaica. Here she is displaying some of her dread locks!

I noticed Ashton also had a lesson in taking turns! First I sit on your lap, then you sit on mine.

Here we are just before starting our fireside. After the picture was taken they moved us to another location that already had a fire going for us. After the fireside the girls roasted marshmallows and made smores. It was good to see Kassie and Ashton! I was so wishing I could have stayed. If I'm still in this calling next year, I think I'll arrange for that to happen!

First swim day

Yesterday was our first day to the pool this season. We were there for three hours, long enough for me! Kassie and Brady decided to stay home. Kassie has flea bites all over her legs and arm pits from letting our outdoor rabbit sleep in her bed! She was too embarrassed to go to the pool. Brady also stayed home -- too cool for the pool. Ashton, Avery, Bryson and Kenzie played in the main pool while I hung out with Kaden in the kiddie pool most of the time. I met up with the mother of one of Avery and Bryson's friends at the kiddie pool. She also has a three-year-old. We sat and talked while the kids played. It made time pass much quicker for me.
Hey Aaronica, Kaden was making duckie stew with the rubber ducks you gave him!

Kaden braves the big pool with Bryson!

I've been telling Avery and Bryson for weeks that they need a hair cut. We talked about it again on our way to the pool yesterday. Once at the pool Avery said to me, "You're right, Mom. I do need a hair cut. When I'm swimming, I can't see where I'm going!"

Ashton watched Kaden in the big pool for me toward the end of our stay. A nice break for me!

Hey look Aunt Bonnie -- Kenzie Doodle on a noodle!

Today: I fed Mom breakfast. Avery went with me. When I walked in she said, "Oh, I forgot you were coming!" She must have remembered that I mentioned I would be there Tuesday morning. She laughed at one point, closed her eyes between bites, smiled as we left and told me she loved me. A good morning for Mom.

After Mom's breakfast I dropped Avery off at Dad's then headed over to my friend Aaronica's house. Aaronica and her family are the ones that introduced me to the church, and to Dale! I've been helping her sort through her life, literally! Her belonging were just shipped to her after being... a... I'll say "in storage" for nearly one and a half years. The over sized POD was full, but we're a good 3/4 of the way done! I'm going back Friday to continue the job. I've been enjoying myself working with Aaronica! She's a great friend!