Camp Joseph

We love to go to Camp Joseph in Sharon, Vermont.  It really is a peaceful and blessed spot.  We try and go every year.  The Yeagers and Ackermans came with us this year.  That made it so much more fun.  All the boys were in tears when it was time to go.  I guess that means we have to go again.

All packed up and ready to go.  Look how excited and clean they are.  

There is a big grassy hill at the campground.  The kids ran and played all day.  Here are a few pictures of pure summer fun.

There is also a wooden swing set, that we frequented.  

Check out these two little munchkins.  What good friends they are.

It rained on us, so we had some quality cuddling time inside our tent.

One of our favorite things to do at Camp Joseph is just sit and visit.  And here we are just doing that.  

Gail is not a huge fan of camping, but she came anyway.  What a trooper.

Notice the knees?  They were not like that when we arrived.  I guess that means he had fun.  

We did leave the campground long enough to take a miniature hike to the Joseph Smith Memorial.

We walked up to the lodge and sat on the porch to watch the sun go down. The light here is beautiful.

And of course, it isn't a real camping trip without a fire and marshmallows.  

Father's Day

Recently I was asked, in a joking way, if I would want my boys to grow up to be like Joe. In honor of Father's Day, I would like to answer that question.

I would love it and be very proud if my sons grew up to be like their father. There isn't another man that I would rather teach my boys how to be men.

Joe is confident enough to not have to conform to fit into a assumed cookie cutter mold and yet humble enough to acknowledge when he is wrong and change. Joe is kind. He is faithful. From his father Joe learned to have a strong work ethic and wants to pass that along to his sons. Joe is loyal and true. And he loves us so much that none of us doubt it.

Happy Father's Day Joe. Thanks for all you do. We are lucky to have you.

To church today, Joe is sporting the tie Matthew made him in nursery.  So very stylish.

And He's Back

Good thing too.  We really missed him.  Apparently, it was everything he hoped for and more.  

A few of the highlights.

1.  He's very glad that he went with his nephews Jake and Jesse.

2.  There were over 75,000 kindred spirits there.  Joe always meets the nicest people at concerts.  He loves to be around others who feel the same about music and life as he does.

3.  Phish was amazing!  The first time they played they were on stage for three hours without even a set break.  And the second time was spectacular as well.   There was a lot of other good music as well.  Of note were the Bestie Boys and Andrew Bird.  But isn't Phish the real reason that everyone went to Bonaroo?

4.  There were many great camera moments.  Here are a few shots taken with my little point and shoot digital.

The boys and I are so happy that he could go and even more happy to have him home.  

And He's Off

This morning Joe left for bonnaroo. We were all sad to see him go. Yes, tears were shed at the Metzger household today. Joe was ready and excited. He's been preparing for weeks researching bands on Youtube, downloading their music, planning his schedule. He is ready. He's driving through Schenectady to pick up his nephews Jake and Jesse. Then he'll stop and see his childhood friend, Rick, in West Virginia. He'll get a hotel room tonight somewhere along the way and then arrive Thursday. The icing on the cake is that Phish will be there and play, not just once, but twice. This is Joe's idea of the Celestial Kingdom.

We will miss you. Have a good time and be safe.

FYI. While Bonnaroo is a household word at our house, I realize not everyone know about it. It is a four day long music festival in Manchester, Tennessee. It starts Thursday at 5pm and goes until late Sunday night. Hundreds of bands play and more than 50,000 people attend. Attendees camp at the festival site. If you are dying to find out more there is a website. bonnaroo.com.

Walk A Thon

Last year as a family we participated in the March of Dimes Walk A Thon. This year we decided to support a lesser known charity called the Oley foundation. Our sister in law Lisa works for them. It was such a nice day. The weather was perfect and it was so great to spend time with Ronnie and Lisa. Last years walk was three miles. This year we had much less complaining because it was only about 2 miles. Holden and Nicholas walked the whole thing like troopers. Matthew is quite lazy and rode until the very end. Holden was extra excited this year because at the end of the event he got his own box of chocolate chip cookies.

The Oley Foundation does some amazing work for people who need tube feeding and home IVs. If you would like to know more or know someone that might benefit from their help you can click on the link. Oley.org

Mother's Day

My mother is amazing. I could write forever on how wonderful she is. Don't worry, I will refrain and just mention one of the lessons I have learned from her.

My mother taught me to hope. To really believe that even in the darkest moments of life, tomorrow will be better.
She showed me that behind those dark encompassing clouds there is hope smiling brightly before us.

Mom, I am blessed to be your daughter.
Happy Mother's Day.

Our Fun Visit to Utah

Here are some pictures of the fun things we did while visiting family in Utah.

We got to visit our good friends the Calls in Layton.  Here Matthew and Katherine Call are watching TV together.

Grandma, the Metzger boys, and the Manuta kids all went to the Bean Museum at BYU.

We all went to have a picnic at the park in Payson.

And we threw a surprise 60th birthday party for Grandpa!

We wish we could visit every month!

Nieces and Nephews

The real reason I make these trips to the west is to see my nephews and nieces grow up.  They are all so great and I miss them so much.  How come no one wants to live in the East with me?

Samantha is 9 now and such a sweet good helper.  Here she is at the park pushing Rosi and Claudia on the swings.

Jarod loves his mommie.  All the Cole kids love their mommie.  I love their mommie too.

You can't really tell but Katarina's hair is standing up because of the static.  She is 11.  WOW!

Madelyn is mischievous and into everything.  Can't you just tell by looking at that face?

Cadence is always in motion.

Jacob likes sports.  I guess you couldn't expect less from one of Nathan's sons.

Brandon is cute.  Look at that face.  Don't you just want to kiss it?

Tyler is tough.  He did not put up with any of Brigg's bullying.

Roslyn and Briggs.  Briggs may appear sweet and innocent, but watch out for him.  

Little Lucy

I know you are shocked to see Ava crying.  The girl never cries.  (Note the sarcasm.)

Claudia loves attention.

Coda and Ethan had the same PJ's.  Aren't they cute?

Timmy is a total dare devil.  I'm sure he and the ER docs are going to be best of friends.

I hope you all know that Aunt Noel loves you!

Jaxon's Baptism

Nicholas's best friend in the entire world got baptized. It was a wonderful meeting. Joe was asked to conduct and I said the closing prayer. Of course I cried all the way through the prayer. Our family loves little Jaxon. He is always happy and very imaginative. We are lucky to have had him as a part of our lives. After the baptism we had a yummy dinner provided by the Butters family.
Later that night we all met up at Chuck E Cheese to celebrate. Why is it that kids love that noisy place so much?

Dying Easter Eggs

It seems harder and harder to find time to fit everything in. This year I almost forgot about dying Easter Eggs altogether. I was walking through the store on the Saturday before Easter, saw the dye, and remembered. At least we did it.