Camp Liahona

A lot of people wonder where girls in New York City go for girls camp. Two hours North of the city is Camp Liahona.

It is beautiful. It has a lake for canoeing and swimming.
And plenty of open spaces for tents.
The girls had a fabulous time.

Meanwhile back in NYC, right across the street from our apartment has been a setting for a new movie called Premium Rush starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (for all of you Inception fans).
Ohhh No! Madi says as she points to her sketch of Elmo on our couch cushion. She was getting ready to add his hair to the drawing when we had to have a discussion about the proper artistic medium for blue crayon.This is my favorite photo of the week. Madi's curls are a flyin' when she's jumping with her 'peeps.

Chaotic Heaven

Underneath the beautiful, red mountain that makes me feel like I am truly home, our family reunion began at the crack of dawn......with a little pool-side yoga. It's always good to find your zen before the chaos begins.

And begin it will with many, many dune buggy rides.

And basking...I mean...baking in the hot Southern Utah sun while waiting for a...

...pony ride. (Thanks, Van!)

There was a tea party.

Food!And more food!

It's tradition in our family to have a talent show when we all get together. Who could forget Matt's performance of Fiddler on the Roof's "If I Were a Rich Man"?

Or Charles' annual jaw-dropping magic trick!

We had the CUTEST little Mauri warriors doing their best to look fierce in their war dance. We all just wanted to scoop them up and smother them with kisses.
We all knew Tucker played a mean guitar....but, Valarie has been holding out on us. What a beautiful, clear singing voice. More, more!
And before the cowboy rides off into the....
sunset...
We found a little bit of chaotic heaven in just being together.

Kissin' Cousins

Madeline was very excited to see all of her cousins in Utah.

I think she has a crush on her little cousin, Elias. She grabbed his hand when he walked through the door.

By the afternoon they were still holding hands.

Then there is her cousin Abby whom Madi idolizes. Abby was always very patient with her even when Madi would poke her in the eye repeatedly.
Hannah is the champion hugger. Every time Hannah would walk by she would give Madi a hug. Madi just learned to keep her arms up whenever she saw her.

Her cousin J seems to have a gift with children. All children and babies straight across the board adore J. I think it's because babies are smart and they know a good guy when they meet one.

Madi and Grandma had some good times together playing with her new Farmer Brown barn and animals. And, of course, eating an occasional fruit snack.

More on the reunion will come later. Until then a kiss goodbye.