Summer Camps & More

So the night before we were set to leave for Branson, 7 tornados tore through NWA. It was insane and we felt so blessed and watched over when we saw what little damage we had compared to others. We may have lost a few outdoor cushions and had some patio furniture blown over, but some people lost their homes and businesses. 

Seeing the damage the next day was unreal. Our stake president cancelled all Sunday meetings and each ward mobilized to see who needed what and how we could best serve. Our church is so well equipped to handle emergencies and it was very evident in this situation. Chris left Sunday morning to go help cut up fallen trees and help clear the roads. I did some checking in with friends and other members of our ward and I helped coordinate efforts with the Stake RS. 
However, we still left for Branson that afternoon and although I felt bad- we kind of left the stress of the tornados behind us for the week. 
Although, while we were in Branson, a family from our stake who's home had been badly damaged stayed at our house. We still had power and A/C- which was more than a lot of members in our stake. 

When we got back from Branson we went to help with our stake helping in the cleanup efforts. Our stake hosted multiple tornado cleanup days and made such a huge difference in the community. There were so many sweet stories shared and testimony building experiences. It was kind of amazing. 

However, also as soon as we got back from Branson, Tanner and Bailey had camps to attend. Bailey left for YW's camp on Wednesday and I didn't go this year. I was sad to miss out on the fun, but I think it was good for Bailey to have a chance to bloom without me there as a security blanket. She had a great time. 

Here are all the girls before leaving on Wednesday morning. They had camp at a new location this year and from what I heard, everyone really liked it. 

The theme was "The Power is Within You" and it was all themed around power. 

One day they got to use power tools to help build a bathroom building at the campsite. 

The girls also got to go rafting, do archery, do axe-throwing and lots of other fun stuff. 

Bailey had a great time and loved the girls she got to tent with. I'm grateful she had such a positive experience. I love my girl and more than anything I just want her to develop a relationship with her Savior and Father in Heaven. I hope this was a step in the right direction. 

The following week Tanner left for YM's camp. They had to do a last minute pivot because their original campsite had too much tornado damage. But they all had a great time. They ended up going to "Roaring Rivers" state park in Missouri. They got to go fishing, hiking, do the "red-neck waterslide" and so much more. 

I'm so grateful both my older kids have such a great group to hang out and grow up beside.
Look at this awesome group of young men and their leaders. Tanner loved camp!

The "Red-neck Waterslide" pictures are my favorite. They had the best time but definitely got banged up a bunch as they were crazy, wild boys. 

Tanner had developed a sweet friendship with Justin Jolley. Justin will be a senior this year and Tanner will be a freshman. I'm grateful that he will have some friends already as he enters high school. 

Tanner loved YM's camp but got home and immediately showered and then passed out. It was a full week and he loved every minute of it. 

Then just two days later, Tanner left for FSY or "For the Strength of Youth" which is a week long camp for youth ages 14 and older. Tanner was so excited for this. They got to stay on a college campus and attend classes, devotionals, dances and just hang out. He loved his counselors. He loves his "company" and he had some amazing experiences that really strengthened his testimony. 
I didn't get to talk to him much but after his very first night at FSY, he texted me saying that he prayed and got an immediately answer to his prayer and just felt God's love so clearly. It was such a tender mercy for my mama heart since I was worrying about him. He's never been that far from home for that long. He absolutely loved FSY and came home raving about it. 

The youth met early monday morning at our Stake center and loaded up on charter buses to drive up to the University of Central Missouri. I loved getting pics from Tanner during the week. It was fun to get a glimpse into his life for the week.

He even sent me one of his dorm room. He loved having a dorm room and he roomed with his friend Caleb Sparks from our ward. 

A lot of the kids in his company were actually from our Stake, but because they weren't in our ward, Tanner didn't know a lot of them. So it was great. He made friends with a ton of kids from our stake and from here on out he will get to hang out with them all the time. It was perfect. 

Tanner was making weird faces in almost every pic but so were all the rest of the kids. It must be a trend or something. 
Tanner had the best time and I think he even has Bailey excited to go when she is old enough. 

Now Summer camps are over and this momma is tired. While the kids were gone, we helped with some Tornado cleanup. It was exhausting but rewarding work. We were happy to get to serve with others in our stake and really help those in need. 

 Aunt Sarah brought her kids and mine back to me. Aunt Julieta came over too. We had a few days between YW's camp and YM's camp when all the kids were together. We had a great time. Stay tuned for that fun!