So, my mom's side of the family has a yearly campout that is historic. We've been going since I was born. Some of my very dearest memories are of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma and grandpa Cain and my family up in the mountains. Now, I have the joy of bringing my own family every year. We were SO sad Nathan couldn't come this year. He was in the thick of heavy school assignments, so this year it was just myself and the girls. One of Grandpa Cain's first priorities when I was a kid was to climb the biggest tree he could find and build a death swing for the kids. It usually swung over the main camp area so as to give all of the mother's repeated heart attacks during our time there. We also have colorful memories of those years (multiple) he forgot to bring his swimming suit to the beach and had to improvise; a skiing hat with holes cut out for his legs, grandma's girdle, etc. Anyway, Grandpa left us two years ago this summer and Grandma has not been able to come up due to her health. But this year, she came up for one day, the special day. Every year, part of our tradition is to gather the camp chairs around in an enormous circle and have a testimony meeting. It is always the best church meeting of the year. There is always laughter and a lot of tears. Something about being at the top of a mountain, with the rustle of trees, the smell of campfire and the testimonies of loved ones makes me feel very close to Heavenly Father. I'm sure this is where my testimony was born when I was a kid. Lily gave a beautiful testimony this year and shed a few tears herself.
Anyway, sorry for the length of this post. I've attached a few pictures from our camp - one of myself as proof that I've spent time outdoors, in nature. I included a few more of Shelby with friends. She's had a fun summer and we are going to miss her terribly! She goes back to Montana on Saturday. Anyway - love you ALL!!!
