Lake Tahoe - Day 3, 4, & 5

Day 3 was spent on a large Catamaran... it was so beautiful and relaxing... I loved watching them put up the sails and move them around to make the boat go where they wanted... we chose to sit out on the bow where they had these large cushions and some blankets (the breeze got a little chilly!) I took a little nap, and Dad snapped a pic, that's why I look upside down.

Cory had finals and had to leave and come home on Wednesday after the Catamaran ride. So we napped and played at the condo in the afternoon, and then went out to Sand Harbor for the evening. Wow.... what an amazing place. It is for sure on my list to visit during the day, to spend some quality time at the beach, on our next visit. Awesome sand, fun rocks to climb on, and the sunset was amazing!!

Day 4 was okay... we drove up to Squaw Valley, which is like a mini Park City, and they had the Olympics there in 1960 something.... it was nice, but not my favorite. Had lunch in Tahoe City, which was a happening place, and looked like a fun spot to run the river. Would have done that if I wasn't on my own with 4 kids to watch over!

On the way back to the condo we stopped by the fish hatchery to let the kids fish. All I can say is "White Trash". Ick. I think I could have crawled out of my skin! It's one of those places I don't want to find myself in ever again! You need a shower by the time you leave just from how it makes you feel, not cuz you are actually dirty! But, on the up side... the kids had a blast! Go figure...

Day 5 (or Friday) was spent out at Virginia City. We took a train tour and visited the old mines. The kids had a ton of fun on the train. My favorite part was the old city shops, board walks, and the shopping! :) I could have spent hours, if I would not of had 4 kids to keep track of!

Great trip, with quality time spent with family. Blessed I am Indeed.

The "FFF"....

... or in other words... The "First Fun Field trip" of Summer!

Was spent at Lava Hot Springs.

The "Caravan"

We did a little 4 wheeling, which consisted of a little "visiting" (not trespassing :) of some fellow "Bothwellians". When you are a neighbor and friend... the "NO TRESPASSING" sign does not apply to you... right?

There were some who came close to having "wardrobe malfunctions"; ... some who just so happened to dress alike; ...one who did not want her hair done "because she was camping"; ...and a couple who were inseparable.

We did a little fishing, and observing of Nature and the beauty around us....

... AND we did alot of Swimming! What a Blast!

Good Times... with Good Friends... Once Again!

Swimming Lessons....

... are a staple of summer.

This year was no exception.

{Only because they were scheduled and paid for BEFORE I decided to work full time. So, thanks to my good friends, Tiff & Jen, my kids still got to take their lessons, and they had to take 3 extra kids everyday.}

Kassie had something to say, apparently....

I just love this pic of Kam & Nick.... mostly because I can't wait to show it to them in 10-15 years! :)

Gage really surprised me with how much he got involved and loved it. I really thought he was going to need quite a bit of coaxing.

.... and he even braved the "big kid" slide! :)

Another year of improvements.... just keep swimming, just keep swimming!

Bothwell 24th Celebration

We had a great weekend of celebrating our pioneer heritage...

BOTHWELL STYLE!

Cory and I were recently called to serve as the ward's Services and Activities Chairmen. Which meant we were in charge of this huge event, but it was planned and assigned out carefully, and it really wasn't too much work. Everyone just does their part, and it all comes together.

After the big dinner, is the much anticipated rodeo.... and the kids had a BLAST! Above you can see Kassie on the right in the green shirt, getting ready for the kids Tug of War.

Kambree really surprised me with wanting to ride a sheep. I had asked earlier in the day, and got a resounding NO from all of the kids, so when she asked, I was surprised, but said okay. Obviously the flip flops weren't a great idea... but hey, she had fun! Landed face first in the dirt, but came up smiling, and no tears!

Kassie also participated in the kids barrel race (top, far right) and the boot race.

This is the only picture I have of Cory and I... proof that we really were there, just busy. I didn't take one photo! That is rare! Thanks Dad for being the photographer!

Good Friends....

... are a blessing.

I am Blessed!

While Katie M. was in town, we took the opportunity to get together for lunch.

Tiff S, Katie M, Katie B., Amy E., Amy Jo S.

Good Times!

Thanks Girls! I Love Ya!

4th of July

I thoroughly enjoyed the 4th of July this year...

it is typically not a holiday that I am really excited about...

but this year, we had alot of fun with family and friends, and it leaves me looking forward to the 4th next year!

We attended the West Point festivities with my family. The kids had a blast, with good food, face painting, playing on the park toys, blow up slides, and bounce houses, cotton candy, running around with no shoes on, fireworks and the parade. (I say no shoes... because you should have seen the bottom of their feet! Ick!)

We BBQ'd with friends and lit our own fireworks the next night. It was just HAPPINESS.

Bear Lake

Summer just isn't Summer without a trip to Bear Lake....

... and we got one in, thanks to Grandma Arlene.

We drove up on Wednesday and stayed in the Condo that night, and played at the Beach the next day.

We all had a GREAT time,

(despite Kambree starting with the stomach flu on the way up)

THANKS Grandma Arlene for a fun trip!