I was looking forward to this camp out for quite awhile. We have been only doing this for a few years and it is crazy to think back to all the fun that we have had. Its odd to think of all my nieces and nephews growing up. Looking around I realize that everyone is adjusting to some sort of of change. Some more obvious than others. The Counters are sending their oldest Megan to collage. The Solomon's suddenly have 3 teenagers and Anna. The Melville's are adjusting to living in Utah and in a place of their own. The Schmalboch's just moved to Utah as well, and Luke is getting so big. It is nice to know I am not alone in this world of change. I do not often willingly admit to this but, I miss my mom. I miss knowing I can call her and get advice on anything, or just to talk. I miss the feeling of comfort and protection that a mother can provide. Often when I let Satan get the better of me he convinces me that I am alone. That I am on my own to figure things out. But as I drove away from camp today I had such an over whelming feeling of comfort, and love. I realized that I am surrounded by mothers, each and everyone of my sisters are incredible mothers. I can call them for whatever, whenever, I know that they love me. I realized just how protective they are of me, and that they truly want what is best for me. I am so thankful for the family support system that I have. This amazing network of people that help to fill my life with so much. I know that I do not have to morn the loss of my mother figure in my life because I have been provided with many. Thank you to my sisters for being who you are. I have missed time with you all, which is why now I hold on to traditions like these with a white knuckle fist. I know their importance and am thankful for all of you for humoring me in my endeavors, and forgiving me of my short comings.
Anyways Redfish didn't disappoint! We had so much fun. Lucy was spoiled by everyone,and became a little explorer herself. She enjoyed stomping through the dirt and playing with the gravel. Walking in the water and being chased by cousins. I enjoyed watching her thrive in an environment of people that she knew loved her. The first day we got there we were a little down because we were 20 minuets down the road from the lake, but first thing the 5 of us ladies hunted down camp spots and successfully landed 2 that would work. After an afternoon of moving we went to play in the water and with jet skis. The second day was a nice relaxing day of playing and eating too much. We headed to the lodge for ice cream and some music, where a few of the cute cousins were spotted for a Redfish commercial. The next day we organized ourselves and headed on a hike to 4th of July lake, everyone made it. We got back in time for some dinner. After most of the crowd headed for the hot springs and a dip in the river. And we all gathered for a last night of s'mores and hot chocolate. Here is to another successful year up there.
Lets see...where to start. Lucy loves to sing and dance. She watches Dinosaur Train and Sesame Street. She loves to color with crayons in books or chalk on the side walk. She is always so happy, always singing songs of her own tune. She has started to tell stories and thinks she can carry conversations. As long as you say oh really or ok or you think so in the right spots she'll continue in her gibberish. She likes to pick and eat cherry tomatoes. And still loves to play in the water or sprinklers.
She feeds Frank in the mornings, I ask her if Frank needs food and she goes and gets a cup of his food, She loves to run back and forth and fill his bowl. And now Frank always gets fed, yay for Frank.
We went to Jerome a couple of weekends ago and Lucy got to play with her cousins. And see her Grandparents. She will look through photo albums and point to each person and say their name. She seems to warn up to people a bit faster. She is always waving at who knows what and saying hi or bye.
She is so smart, and is truly like a little sponge, she picks up everything. We have started to work a little bit with colors, but mainly numbers and letters still. For some reason she doesn't say three, she'll count 1,2,4. Either way it pretty cute.
She is starting to put more words into sentences. And almost always says please. When she get really excided about something she says, pea, peas, peas!
Lucy loves her books, she will sit and look at books. and always brings me books to read to her.
She kneels, folds her arms, and closes her eyes during prayer now, and even says amen. It is super sweet. Sometimes in sacrament meeting she will clap her hands and say yay after, its pretty funny.
Kind of funny, but not. She says Frank, Food, Feet and Foot all of which if you don't listen closely sounds like a rather bad word.
She loves to "meow" at Mittens and "ruff" at Frank. She says "cheese" when you take her picture and gives you the biggest corniest smile she possibly can.
I can't believe how many people she has under her spell. I love this little girl so much and am amazed by her every day.
