Grammie Camp #4: Oldest Kids

Because Elle was at EFY and Max was at Volleyball Camp at BYU, we had our Grammie Camp with the oldest kids after the reunion. Sadly Ashton was at Scout Camp so we dearly missed him but nevertheless, we carried on.

We started out with the tradition for Grammie Camp, pulling weeds. There’s gotta be a little work along with all that fun right?

They are all well-trained and good little workers!  Grampa Roy and Grandma Hazel  who came from farm stock and really knew how to work and who also taught me to work, would be proud!

After that we retired to the Lighthouse where we sang a quick rendition of the Grammie Camp song and repeated from memory my favorite scripture, Heleman 5:12.

This year I had a chance to give each of the kids a little scrapbook that I’ve been keeping for them since they were born. They were full of pictures I used to have made at Costco as well as photos their mom had sent to me.  Thankfully (grin) the digital world took over so I quit after these first six kids but I think they really enjoyed looking through their books, maybe especially Aniston whose baby books had all just been destroyed in the fire. 

 

Usually we talk about my ancestors but this year we studied Grandfather’s Aunt May Swenson who is one of the top ten poets in America. She was truly amazing and had an extraordinary gift with thoughts and words. Each of the kids grabbed an electronic device (computer, phone or I pad) and did some research on this amazing relative of ours and then gave a short report on what they learned. Here is one of her many books of poetry. Man I love these kids. Aren’t they just the cutest things ever?

 

 

After that we got in Noah’s van and traveled to Logan where May, who is our Grandma Ruthie’s oldest sister was born and grew up! At the top of the steep incline on the way there is a gorgeous look-out point where you can see the entire lake and gorgeous surrounding scenery. Last year a poetry society placed a marker there with a picture of May and a poem that she wrote from that very spot. It is a delightful poem and I think the kids “got it”.

 

 

Next we headed for the Logan cemetery where Mae is buried. There sits a beautiful bench with phrases from her poetry etched on it.

 

And right next to May’s grave is our beloved Grampa Dean’s grave. He died of colon cancer when Grandfather Rick was 15 and had four younger siblings. Grampa Dean was 39 and Grandma Ruthie was 38. What a tragedy! We all love him, even though we have never met!

Of course the most important part of our day was a visit with our incredible Grandma Ruthie who lives in Logan and was about to turn 90.  She has been a widow for just over 50 years and doesn’t remember any of us any more but she is always delighted to see us and knows that she is surrounded by people who love her!  Can you  see those kids’ eyes just glowing with love?

We couldn’t end our adventure in Logan that day without a little spice. To the kids’ delight we ended up at surprise visit to the sports store where we bought a new water ski and wake board, which we are sadly in need of. Jonah had called and got us a great deal and they were over the moon! Sadly, we were all so excited that I forgot to get a picture!

Our journey home was a delight as I had a chance to hear first hand about volleyball camp and EFY. How blessed we are to have those two oldest grandchildren as such great examples and mentors to all our younger grandchildren!

We headed back to Bear Lake where we enjoyed hamburgers, fries and shakes at LeBeau’s, the most famous place on earth for raspberry shakes and then headed for what we always look forward to every summer at the Pickleville Playhouse: Juanito Bandito and this year….the hanging of that wild and wonderful character!  It is such a great place to sit back and laugh our heads off!The star is also the writer and director of this crazy musical. Simply a genius and so full of fun!

 

The kids slept like logs on their little pull-out beds at the lighthouse, although Isaac found himself on the floor when he woke up, having no idea how he got there. Maybe it was because he knew it would be his birthday when he woke up!

We had such a fun birthday party to celebrate this great guy’s 11 years! If you remember, he was the winner of The Fear Factor and is always full of life and love for little kids as well as being a stellar worker!. He’s an amazing kid and we were so glad to be able to spend the first part of his special day together! He is front and center!

Max and Elle made their traditional delicious crepes with Nutella and raspberries and a great time was had by all!

This is Isaac favorite crepe. He wanted to be sure that I got a picture of it!

After a few fun gifts from the dollar store, we sadly ended our Grammie Camp celebration until next year.

We were so sad to have missed Ashton, but he had a pretty great time at scout camp nearby, earning merit badges and going on a survival experience overnight.  Note that he forgot his hat so he made himself one out of duct tape which is hanging at his side. Wish I’d had him hold it up. It was awesome!

 

Did I mention how much I love these kids?  It’s so hard to get to know them when they live all over creation and are in the mob of 23 grandkids at the reunion so separating them into Grammie Camps is one of my favorite events of the summer. They are becoming such amazing individuals with glorious gifts and talents! How lucky am I to be able to do this? Blessings from Heaven!