Grand Canyon

We got the chance to go to the Grand Canyon (North Rim).  We have never been there before.  Ira's dad works there during the summers, so we went to see him.  To be honest, I wasn't expecting to be too impressed, because I had seen canyons similar in Moab.  And that first time "awe" experience was already past. They are all beautiful, but they all kinda look the same.  

I don't know what it was about the Grand Canyon, but even though it did look a lot the same as others, it still was breathtaking.  And still awe inspiring.  It is just a work of art by the hand of God. 

The sunsets...... so amazing!

This squirrel, known as the Kaibab.  The only place it lives is the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  They were really fun to watch, and they are big and fluffy and cute and they have luscious fur (description thanks to Brayden)

Brayden, Kamden, Emilie, Jarin

Ira's dad, Ron, was with us

I just had to add this picture of Ira grabbing Jarin.  We were nervous parents with our children so close to very tall, very scary cliff edges. 

On the way home we stopped at another place to explore.  I think it was called Red Rock State Park.  We had fun there until we were too tired to play anymore.  Then home we went - happy and tired, with wonderful memories and some pretty great pictures! :)

Summer

This post is just a few odds and ends of the summer fun, that wasn't posted in some other post along the way.

Our kids were in "Kids Crossfit" this summer.  It was so good for them to get exercise and to feel good about themselves with the new things they learned they could do. 

Kam especially loved it.  He really wasn't old enough to be signed up, but since his brother was in the class, he just hopped right in.  He was quite a bit smaller and younger then the others, but he didn't let that stop him.  When they would all do jump rope.  He would lay the rope out on the floor in a straight line and hop across it over and over. If there was something he couldn't do - he found a way to do it the "Kam way".  

One of our 4-wheeling adventures brought us to the Ice Caves.

(Emilie and Jarin)

We even had some cousin time.

(Kam and Des)

Our neighbors have a fun tradition of a lawn mower parade.  We decorate our lawn mowers and parade them up and down the streets.  Our family went as Islanders.   :) 

We love our Kayaks - great investment for some family togetherness.  Weather we have all day to play or just a couple of hours to run to the nearest reservoir - we love this way of cooling off with some good water fights.

Jarin got tired, so I am toting him behind.

We had Ira's cousins come from Saint George for a couple of weeks this summer.  We played hard while they were here.  Three extra boys was exhausting, but a special treat.  I grew to love them in that short time, and look forward to next summer.

Every good summer eventually faces it's sunset.  I love summers in Cache Valley.  I feel so blessed to get to live here.  Now that it is getting colder, I'm not sure it is really a blessing - but I look back on those summer days and look forward to the summer days to come - and there is no where else I'd rather be.

Family Camp

My parents just left on another mission (I'll post more on that later) - but one of the best ways to keep them posted with what's up with us was through my blog.  Well.......I aint been much good at bloggin' lately.  SO...I am gonna play catch up for a bit here until I am up to date.  Then hopefully, I will keep it up for 18 months at least!  I love to blog, and I love reading back on our blog.  So it's not like it's a "chore" I have to do.  But it is "one more thing" on my ever-growing list of to-do's.  So my new years resolution (and it's not even new years, am I on the ball or what?!), is to get caught up and stay caught up...at least for a while :).

So on to my post.  Family Camp!  This has been a Moser family tradition since I was young.  I look forward to it every year, and am sad when it's done and we have to wait another year.  It's so much fun to spend time with my parents, sibling, nieces and nephews for 4 days.

I can see that my pictures aren't in any order, and since I'm playing catch up - I'm not going to take the time to figure it out.  So if you like puzzles, be my guest.  But I'm not a puzzle kinda gal!

This year Grandma had the grand idea of tie-dying shirts.  It was so much fun!  

My sister Kim brought up marshmallow shooters that the kids painted.  We had marshmallows E.V.E.R.Y. W.H.E.R.E!!  But they loved it.  

We also made parachord bracelets, and that was a big hit too.  

We did the traditional initiation of any new family members or visitors.  "Aunt Emma" is about to retire, I'm sure!  :)  

We spent a day at Bear Lake.  

We celebrated Kim's 50th birthday.  My mom had the brilliant idea of going back in time to the wonderful 60's.  So we dressed up in costumes, and acted out various things that would have been big when Kim was a teen.  It was so much fun!

And of course we ate and laughed and ate some more.  

Oh, and one more thing - we ALWAYS have someone start throwing up at these camps.  It was my families turn to start the tradition this year...so much fun.  One of the many reasons I'm so grateful we have a trailer!

Brayden doing his tye dye

Kamden with his marshmallow shooter

My pretty mom

Brother in law, Frank

Grandpa with sister in law, Lisa

My niece with the three youngest babies there.  Bronco, Benson and her baby, Brooklyn.  Hey, they all start with B's.  I hadn't noticed that before!  It's hard to believe Erin is a mommy.  I remember her at these camps at the little baby there.  Crazy how time flies!

Emi and Myah

Tannon and Brayden

My nephew

Maxwell

My great nieces

Marley & Kameron

My brother and nephew

Jordan with Max

The three muskateers

Kam, Des & Ryan

Sister Kim

My nephews

Parker & Bronco

My nephew and his daughters, Rylee and Kameron

Ira's three cousins that came with us.

Jack, Mark & Eric

Happy Birthday Kimme

Everyone who was at camp this year (except Emilie whose turn it was to be sick).

Dressed up as cookie monsters (Sesame Street just came out in the 60's)

Trekkies

"Grease" starts - John Travolta and Olivia Newton John.  Yep...we look just like them! ha ha

Superman was just released

Cookie Monster, Elmo & Big Bird

Kim showing her earlier years talent of hula hooping.  She still had the moves!

Marc, Eric & Jack had never been camping or 4-wheeling.  So this was a treat for them!

Emilie with her tye dye

Sister in law Maria making her bracelet

My mom and niece, Karlie

Jarin and his dirty face.  Just part of the tradition of camping!

Baby Benson with his tye-dye.  So Dang Cute!!

Another tradition is Robin rubbing Todd's feet.  What a good big sister!  

I loved this moment with these two cousins.  McKay & Jarin

Soccer games

The three muskateers...again.

The 5 muskateers!  These boys are so much fun to watch as they play and interact.

Me and Kim with our daddy-o

Blowing kisses goodbye.  Todd and his family all live in California.

Grandma and Karlie

Robin also celebrated her birthday at camp - 51 years!

What we saw on the farm when we were driving home.  I just loved it and had to take a picture.  Yes family - I do take pictures of everything!  ha ha ha

Mom came home and scheduled the campground for us for next year, even though they won't be with us.  She had to make sure that the tradition continues.  Thanks mom and dad for starting such a fun tradition, and making sure that we keep it going.