Heber Valley Reunion

The Andrews family decided about a year ago to reserve Heber Valley Camp for a family reunion. Originally we had 5 of the 7 siblings and Mom on board, but two had to back out last minute. It was still a great place (and price) to get away for a night and two days, and for camping the amenities are pretty posh!

Right when we got there we saw a deer behind one of our cabins, and it kept coming back through our stay.

We were in camp Esther, up on top of the mountain, which had a beautiful view of the lake.

Our site was on a hill so one of our tables was like a slide.

I love the mountains.

After dinner we headed to our challenge courses. This one was the zip line.

Mike showed us how it was done, and then Maddie followed bravely!

I got a turn too, and Karissa, Grandma, and Kate were our cheerleaders!

Everyone wanted to hold Kate, including Ronnie! I thought this was so cute.

When we got back Karissa saw the deer again and took some close up's.

As the sun went down we gathered around the fire pit and started s'mores, There was a massage train, and mission stories were told from all the missionary alumni, young and not-so-young. :)

We stayed up late into the night mesmerized by the embers of the fire, and watching the Perseid meteor shower. Added all together we probably saw about 20 shooting stars!  

Maddie and Ella got to sleep in the cousin cabin with all the games. Ty and Jake slept in the quiet cabin with us, but they got to visit in the morning.

Everyone was so helpful and sweet with Kate!

To kill some time in the morning we played a funny round of Headbandz.

Then we got directions from a senior missionary and set off on a hike.

Jake cracked us up, talking to Ty a.k.a. Heatwave on his comm (radio). You can see here he is walking like a Rescue Bot.

We made it to the halfway point, and Mike continued on with Ella and Ty while I went back with the rest to start lunch.

After lunch we had our lake time on the canoes and paddle boats.

 

 

Mike and Rachel cracked us up with their shenanigans, bumping boats, holding on to us, and stealing passengers. The funniest part was when Mike didn't know Rachel took Jake for about 5 minutes!

We loved spending time with our aunts, uncles, and cousins at this beautiful camp. What a fun way to end the summer!

Kate at 7 months

I am slow getting to these, but we continue marking the monthly milestones. She doesn't seem to change much month-to-month, but looking back she's grown so much!

She is so expressive and always has her little tongue sticking out.

Or blowing raspberries!

 K is for Kate bug!

This is what she really thinks of her sticker... it's a toy!

In the last month Kate has done some fun new things. She went for her first bike ride in the bike trailer.

She is such a gift to our family. I have been feeling a little bit emotional about this lately... I love having babies and my last one is growing up. The baby (whoever it is currently) has always been my sweet spot in the day, but now I see how Kate is everyone's sweet spot.  The one family member that nobody fights with and everybody loves.

She and Daddy have really perfected their trick. I will have to make a compilation of all the places they have done this trick!

Kate loves being outside, watching what's going on.

She's gotten more interested in the playroom... now Daddy sees why he had to keep it all!

Silly girl has started scooching--backwards! She started on the carpet and made it to the stairs.

She LOVES bath time, splashing and reaching for all the exciting things.

When I decorated this little wall before she came I loved the saying "Hello sweet beautiful girl," and tried to imagine who I would say that to. Baby Kate is sweeter than I ever could have imagined and I am so grateful to be her momma!