July 2018

FOURTH OF JULY 2018
Scera Park, Orem Utah

We got there a little before everyone else so the kids and I walked through the displays. I saw that they had a boot camp starting in about an hour. I took the liberty of signing all the cousins up! The catch was that they all needed a permission slip signed and their hand stamped. Somehow I was able to wrangle the 18 kids who were blindly willing to participate and get them on the roster. I say blindly because none of them really knew what it was and they will forever remember it as the hot, sort of boring, loooooong boot camp that their crazy Aunt Abby brought them to. 

I won't deny that it made lunch more pleasant to have just the adults and babies. The kids got back in time to see something funny though; a lady walked by who came and helped herself to chips from our table. After piling her plate she walked off like it was the most normal thing in the world. Grandma Donna and Grandpa Mike joined us after finally finding which park we were at. They had mistakenly gone to Orem City Park and informed us, "There is a lot of shade and no one is there." I pointed to the Colonial village, "Nor do they have all of this!" Grandpa had to be reminded quite often what we were celebrating. "Our Nation's Birthday!" I'd remind him. "Oh! Wow, that is what all of these people are dressed up for? Wow." Exactly.

The extended family all left one by one for other engagements but we stayed a while longer. By the time we packed up to leave we were all hungry again so we went to Costa Vida. We got right in but by the time we left the line was out the door. Once we were back home we continued our National Treasure marathon from last year and watched Book of Secrets. We had to pause it partway through to head to Midway to see the fireworks on Memorial Hill. The main reason we go is to see how many times the hill catches on fire. We were not disappointed.

Game Faces

Grayson has been looking forward to a basketball tournament he signed up for with his friends Corbin and Taylor. He also convinced Adren and his friend Pedro to join, which made up their team of five. They had never played together before game day but they were certain that their combined hours of practice in the church gymnasium would prove a winning formula. As boys unloaded from buses with matching jerseys they realized the competition pretty quickly. 

 They had some time to kill in between games so they went over to City Creek and got lunch. It was weird picturing my Gray walking around downtown unescorted. He must have felt very grown up. Even though he is fifteen he has never done something like that. Matt, Jon and Shafer met up with the boys later that night to cap off the evening by watching the summer league game at Vivent Smart Home arena. Graham and the younger cousins got to join them as well. It was a real legit outing for the guys. 

While the boys were off doing their thang Callie was at a pre-campout-summer-slumber-party with the girl cousins. They toggled back and forth between Lehi and Provo wearing themselves out with swimming and fun. 

When Lindsey texted me this picture of the kids spending an afternoon at the park, I made sure to remind her that Callie brought her own money. She wrote back, "That is what we used to buy the pizza." This made me laugh because no one can out Abby Abby, except for Lindsey! 

I joined the fun the last day when we all went to the Museum of Curiosity in Lehi. It was HOPPIN. I think Gray and Adren have officially outgrown children's museums. While we ate at a park afterwards I got a text from Matt asking if I could pick up Katrina and Giuseppe from the airport. They were coming back their big French adventure! The boys and I got to the airport in plenty of time and were able to enjoy the sunset from the park and wait area. 

And you know what? I needed that sunset.

  

K and G said that flights to the US are pretty cheap on the 4th of July. They had a layover in Boston and got to throw tea into the harbor. This was not an organized event just their own doing. They wanted to be back in town in time for the next big family event...MINER'S RETREAT!

Miner's Retreat July 9th-12th 2018
Midway Utah

We thought about our missionaries, Mallerie and Sophie, as we gathered for our annual family reunion. The little babies, Solly and Ollie really kept us chuckling. Solly got in these saucy moods (as Ash calls it) where he just goes crazy. He filled the applesauce container with baby carrots. Ashley tried to get down on his level to talk to him about it but he held out his hand, "Stop!"  He wasn't all tough though. I could hear Cade trying to tuck him in at night. As soon as Cade left the tent, I could hear Solly, "heeeeeelp."

There was quite the drama when Hartman broke his arm on the way back from the boulder hike. Violet met me at the trailhead with the news, "If you don't see Sadie and Brent it is because they are at the ER." Christian was especially traumatized about his buddy. The cousins found comfort in water coloring get-well cards for him. We also said a prayer.  When Hartman came back the next morning all the cousins were a little awkward around him, all except for Ollie who walked right through the crowd, "Hey Hartman, I heard you broke your arm." Haha. Ollie had a tee shirt on that read, 'A little Kindness changes everything,' If you asked him what it said he repeated it perfectly.

The kids played capture the flag in the parking lot and one kid after another came back to the pavilion with injuries. Landrie's was the worst. Her knee probably needed stitches but Sadie didn't want to pay another ER bill so she got some medical tape and patched it up. Poor thing had to hobble like that at Lagoon all day. 

The rest of us were not without injury either. The mosquitos were such a bother! Our ankles were riddled with bites. Poor Graham got a bite on his ear and it started swelling up like Hitch. I thought it was a good idea to get some Benadryl in his system. However, it was a BAD IDEA. The stuff knocked him out all. day. long. On a positive note, the swelling in his ear did go down.

The dads rented a Polaris that sat six and the guys took turns taking people out for hour-long rides. I was in the last group but by then the heavens had opened and we had buckets of rain on us as Brent, Matt, Lindsey and Jon drove to return it. We wanted to go on some trails but they were closed due to a fire at Deer Creek. They think it was started by the train:/ 

We  now have to pile into two trucks to haul everyone to the trailhead for the boulder hike. I sat in the middle of the cab between Matt and Ashley. As I snapped photos of the kids in the back I admitted, "This is my favorite part of Minor's, watching the kids faces as we drive to the boulders...especially Ivy!"

La La Lagoon! July 13th 2018

Ollie loved the sky ride so much he wanted to go again and again. I said I'd take him. I forgot how nerve wracking it is to have a little one up there with you in the sky! I asked him, "Did your dad hold onto you when you rode with him?" He said, "No." Later I asked Shafer and he said, "My finger was through his belt loop." After we got off the lift and were making our way back to base camp, we passed some dancing skeletons. We stopped to watch. Ollie said, "Let's go sit down." So we did! During the show when some dramatic girls came out to dance he asked, "Why aren't they smiling?" And then all at once he said, "Let's go."

Henry was a big tease. He would tell Eliza he wanted to go a ride so they would wait in line. Once they were up to the front of the line he'd point to a different ride, "I want to go on that one," and get out of line. Kids!

Ava once again captured all the feels in a video montage:

No more brace face!

Ava got her braces off on July 17th.  She was so anxious to have them off that she counted down the days like it was Christmas, “Ten more days! Nine more days! Eight more days!” I told her she might as well have made a countdown chain. We celebrated afterwards by going to lunch at Medici and then got Sorbet at a new place called Mora. They are next to Macy’s and both very posh. Binnie is so much fun to shop and be with, and she even more beautiful with her new smile.

On our way up the canyon we stopped at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. She said she wanted to buy a caramel apple...because she can finally eat one!

 She did such a great job speaking in church. She shared some of our ancestor's stories and presented herself so well. The bishopric said she really set the tone for the rest of the meeting.  

I had my new presidency sustained. I am excited to work with the new ladies.

With Girls camp, Youth Conference and the Family Reunion over, you might think our summer fun was winding down. Nope! It was now time for us to pack up for our much anticipated summer vacation, one where we could actually...RELAX. 
Go figure!

June 2018

HEBER VALLEY GIRLS CAMP 2018: WHAT IS YOUR DESTINATION? June 4th-8th

Gah camp! I kept it simple enough that one person could pull it off, and I did! I used the YCL’s as my camp directors, which was more work for me ahead of time but I was pretty much behind the scenes once we got to camp. 

Ava with the other Stake YCL's at the amphitheater. The spirit on that mountain is palpable. 

It was great to have Ava as one of my YCL's, such a help to me. She was Dora for our skit and had everyone laughing their heads off (thanks for the idea Gouldings!) Who would have guessed that another ward would also do DORA for their skit????

While the girls practiced we had one hour to se up our surprise in the forest.

Two years ago we surprised the girls with an outdoor tea party. We didn't do it last year and they missed it! Soooooo, we invited the Stake YW leaders to come be our guest speakers at our brunch this year. It was mau-velous. I was surprised that no one has ever tasted a Shirley Temple! In a nod to the Royal Wedding each girl had a fascinator at her place as well as a ring pop. Cheers!

To keep our color-rods in tact I didn't want to flood our camp with too much red (our wards color for Individual Worth) so I kept everything in shades of red. Our sweatshirts were pink and the girls individualized them with iron on patches. Ava was in charge of that "Worth Shop"(get it)? I found a story I wanted to use in our journals but every time I went to print it something just didn't feel right. Finally I switched the story to an article and printed the journals. Still, I really liked the story so I put it in Ava's camp folder in hopes she would maybe use it for her worth shop. Before camp I heard her printing something and asked what it was. She said, "I found a story I want to use for my worth shop." It was the same story! I said, "That is actually in your camp folder." She said, "It is? I just found it randomly online" (it's from 2003). I said, "That is the story you are supposed to use."

This is just one example of how the Lord literally guided every step of camp planning. It made it a joy to plan. There were things I planned or brought that I wasn't even sure why I was doing it and then once I got to camp I saw why it was needed. I was reminded that when we are on the Lord's errand we are entitled to the Lord's help. I was also reminded to keep it simple. If something seemed overwhelming I crossed it off the list. The gal from the ward that we were sharing the pavilion with called me the week before, "When are you going to put up your decorations? We were thinking of going at 6 am on Monday to decorate." I said," Well, I don't think you can arrive before 7 am. I might get some decorations up by Tuesday..." She said, "Oh! You are easy!" And ya know? We never did get any decorations put up.

Camp went flawlessly and was a good experience; it was just hard doing it alone. I knew when I got back from camp it was time to get a fresh presidency in place.

I needed to settle my nerves the Saturday night after I got back so I went to the temple with Matt. I feel blessed to have a temple so close.

JABS

Ava spent the summer working two jobs. If she wasn't home she was either at THE SPOT or the TRAIN. Here she is dressed for a hippie ride.

Matt sent me this picture while I was at camp; he was in charge at home so you can bet there was meat!

Get ready, get set, GROW!

Father's Day weekend Matt and I attended the adult session of Stake Conference. During President Wilcox's talk he said he was going to call three people out of the audience. I sort of got that funny feeling again but figured it was because that had happened to me only a month ago. He named the first lady and I thought “Yikes, too bad for her.” He then said, “I would like to hear from Abby Bocanegra after that.” Oh my word, I felt so terrified, dry throat, numb, all at once. There must’ve been over 300 people there! I stumbled to the pulpit on my turn and shared the first thoughts that came to my heart. What other choice did I have? Afterwards, President Wilcox came up to me and asked, “Still friends?” The rest of the weekend I kept thinking “Did that that really happen?” Oh my word. I guess I can cross those scary things off my list. Who needs to go bungee jumping for an adrenaline rush? Not me. Oh maaaaaaan! Honestly, my first thoughts were, "I wish I had done my hair and worn something cute, and powdered my face." Truth is I had been doing yard work all day and so I was pretty eh looking. The Lord didn't care I guess:/

And...I spoke in our ward the following Sunday. During ward counsel Brother Winn said that we needed speakers for the last week in June and he would like suggestions. When I looked up from my notes all eyes were on me. Oh boy, here we go again. 

STEPS

I joined a team with Matt's company for a 40 day step challenge. The goal was to get at least 10,000 steps a day. Well, I got waaaay ahead of him at girls camp because of all the walking I did. One day my fit-bit said I got 21,000 steps and climbed 84 flights of stairs! Matt told me to take it easy so he could catch up. But I said, "No way!" I enjoy beating Matt.

So when Matt came home from work and asked what we did I told him, "We went to the library...on foot." He said, "Noooo! Stop walking everywhere!" "NEVER!" (Insert evil laugh). It was Lego day at the library and we didn't even know! Graham and Callie enjoyed building unique creations out of Legos. It was relaxing to sit and read while they did that. In the weeks that followed, whenever Matt would ask about my day it was always the same story, "I went to Eye Dr. ...on foot." "I went visiting....on foot." "We went to the movies.... on foot!" "I watched a movie...on the treadmill."

As much as I wanted to beat Matt, he wanted to beat me more! He knew how far behind he was. He went buck wild on the last day and got in over 28,000 steps!  I knew he was catching up and so after our evening walk while he unloaded the dishwasher I put my running shoes back on and tore out into the neighborhood till my heart was beating out of my chest. When I got home I thought I would find him in bed, instead he was on the treadmill. I opened the door, "Enough! We are going to bed!" When we logged our final steps the next day we saw that he beat me by 150 steps. That's only a trip to the mailbox! SUCH A BUMMER!!!!!!!! I haven't been a very gracious looser but I probably would have been a worse winner. 

I take a challenge very seriously.

I joined a book club at the library and then got so busy that I had to read the book in two days just to finish on time. I took the kids to the movies at Scera and I read in the foyer so I could finish my book. I was even reading at red lights after I picked up Grayson from Scout camp. The book discussion group began at 6 pm and I finished at 5:55 pm. Then once I got to the class I realized I was the only one who finished the book! I realized what a nub I am that I take things so literally. Ha!

Camp X

I took Grayson to work at scout camp way out in Eagle Mountain. We had to leave at 7 am. I told the babes to hop in the car and we could make a day of it in Orem. The problem is, that while Grayson was making money I was spending a fortune! We went to a movie, ate out twice, and went to Provo Beach resort, not to mention the gas money. Grandma Donna met up with us at the end of the day to take Grayson to "A Quiet Place." We have all seen it except for him. She was sweet to take him. He still laughs about her screaming in the middle of it and dumping her popcorn everywhere. Grandma!

While I was with Ava and Grayson at Youth Conference Matt was busy with projects at home, like getting fresh sand for the sandbox. He said these kiddos are a joy to be with and to work with.  

Youth Conference! Monticello Utah June 27th-30th 2018

"Peace in Christ"

Oh my goodness, Youth Conference ended up being so fun! I didn't really know what to expect because I am not familiar with southeast Utah and when the YM are thrown into the mix you never know what could happen;) But I think I work better with male leaders! We had a bunch of things planned that we were flexible on and it is a good thing because we did a ton of driving to and from National Parks. The first night we ate dinner at 9 pm and the next night at 11 pm! Our first experience of hiking to Delicate Arch really set the tone for the conference. It was hot, hot, and hot! I was so excited for it but couldn't believe how horrible I started feeling soon after the hike began. One of the Mia Maids sat down and I did too. When I stood up I was so dizzy. The leaders told both of us we better turn around. I was hoping more youth would come with us but they all wanted to press on. I was nervous for Ava and Grayson. I put my camelback on Gray and he and Ava shared it. They ran out of water, so if I would have gone there is no way there would have been enough water for the three of us. On our way down I stopped with Megan to say a prayer for everyone's safety. She told me on Sunday that she when we first sat down on the hike she was praying that someone would want to go back and right after that I said, "Who wants to go back??" I think I had to feel what she was feeling to be able to turn around and listen to the spirit. The good thing that came out of the hike was that the youth were able to pull together and do something hard. This really bonded the group. They were sharing water, waiting for each other and I even saw a Priest give a Teacher a piggyback ride. In the end they felt SO accomplished for doing a difficult hike in 104°! 

It seemed like no matter how much water I drank the rest of the day I could not hydrate myself. Even all night long I would wake up parched. I kept replaying the horrific scene of the red-faced youth stumbling off the mountain and I was so relieved we were all okay. I brought cooling towels for everyone to wet and wear around their necks. They saved our lives. 

Our original plan was to stay Moab. I found a great Lodge to rent that would fit us all nicely. The thing is, that after I booked it the reservation read, "Welcome to Monticello!" Oh man. This turned out to be a good thing though because it was about 10 degrees cooler than Moab and we were able to go to the Monticello Temple. We were also in a better location to go to Mesa Verde (WOW) and Canyonlands (gorgeous!) The lodge slept everyone perfectly. However,  Binnie and me had an odd sleeping spot. The Bishop and his wife were staying in the master suit. Towards the back of their room there were some saloon doors that led to two twin beds. That is where we slept! The lodge had a big kitchen for meal making, and plenty of stuffed animals to enjoy. I felt like I was at the Bean Museum. I took a picture of this cougar and was ready to take a photo of the other one as well when Ava said; "You have enough photos of cats on your phone already."

She was a real crack-up on this trip.

We had a fun car group. Ava had to play "Broken" at least once an hour on the stereo. She was a great DJ. But at one point when were winding through Mesa Verde one of the boys said, "Let's turn down the music and talk." So we did!

During Youth Conference we also had firesides and spiritual stuff too of course. The kids wood burned and made things out of red clay. One girl made the arch out of clay and it was so cool. The youth were awesome and I grew to love them even more. I really do love the youth. Even the ones that just giggle;)