Kiana's 10th Birthday!

Friends, swimming, & cupcakes--Happy 10th Birthday Kiana!



Hot Cheetos, pinata, & cousins--What more could a girl want?



Kiana requested dutch pancakes for her birthday breakfast--YUM!

Schools in!

Girl's Camp 2011

Well, after three years of being a level leader (taking the girls on over-night backpacking hikes) I was given a new assignment this year. I was asked to work with these two wonderful ladies--Cindy Pickett & Wendy Mayo. Together, and with a lot of help from the Stake YW presidency and ward leaders, we were able to plan and carry out our Stake YW Girl's Camp.

It was a very overwhelming assignment at first and A LOT of work, but when we finally arrived at camp, we were able to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Lookin' forward to next year!



This year, since I had other responsibilities, I wasn't able to spend very much time with Andrea. She also participated in R.O.P.E. (Refining Outdoor Personal Experience) which kept her VERY busy. Since it's a very special experience for the 5th level girls, they try to keep quiet about the activities that they are involved in during the week so that the younger girls have enjoy the experience when it is their turn. However, I had some great connections this year and I was able to sneak up to the course and see a couple of exercises that Andrea was able to do. My dad was also able to come up and see her after he came back from his hike. It was also a lot of fun that her Aunt Brynn was one of her R.O.P.E. instructors.



This activity was called the Confidence Pole. Each girl needed to climb a tall telephone pole, reach the top, stand up, and then jump off and grab the "golden ring". Of course all the girls are harnessed securely. It was an amazing experience to watch Andrea complete the task with absolute confidence. I was so nervous for her, especially when the pole started shaking as she tried to stand on top of it. I was again amazed as she lunged forward, as if she were fearlessly flying, and grab hold of the ring out in front of her--she accomplished her goal! I have to admit, I was a little worried about her completing this course, however she continues to amaze me with her strong and silent confidence.



This exercise is a tall wall that the girls are each required to climb over. Working together they were able to accomplish their goal of getting their entire group of girls and leaders over. (They have specific requirements that they must follow to complete this task.) Andrea was the last one to participate--her long legs definitely came in handy.