Family Camp 2012

We decided a few months ago not to camp this year at Family Camp.  On the heels of our trip to Seattle, I wasn't sure I'd be up for getting the trailer ready when we got home.  Besides, I drive home every day or two anyhow, so I figured we'd just sleep at home and drive out each day for the activities we wanted to attend.

Our granddaughter, Leta, loves going to Family Camp and was actually a little disappointed not to be camping there.  Still, she had a great time, other than getting up early enough to leave the house by 8:30 to be on time for day camp.



The camp worked on a bell choir with the kids and did a couple songs one night for the service.  Leta really liked the bells.

I guess next year we'll have to figure out a way to camp again.  Quiz nationals will run right up to Family camp so I'm thinking we may have to take our trailer out early and get set up because Leta really missed camping this year.

All the driving back and forth reminded me of why we bought a trailer in the first place.  Allison said she didn't think she visited as many people as usual.  Julianne agreed, but really enjoyed sleeping in her own bed, in the air conditioning, rather than tenting behind our trailer.  I can't say I blame her.

A very different birthday

Julianne's birthday usually falls very close to quiz nationals.  It doesn't make for much of a celebration when we're away from home on her special day.

This year, her 17th birthday fell on one of our travel days home from Seattle.

Did I mention that we traveled via train?



My friend Angela suggested taking decorations to decorate around her as she slept.  Allison and Alyssa hung the banner and crepe paper I brought along, working in the middle of the night so it'd be ready when she woke up.

Our car attendant, Deborah, sang Happy Birthday to her over the PA system when we boarded the train in Spokane.  (There's a long story to go along with that particular statement but I won't bore you with it today.)   It seemed like Deborah made a little fuss over Julianne or at least greeted her every time she walked through our car.

Julianne met a birthday buddy who was very excited to meet someone who shared her big day.

Our conductor swapped hats with Julianne for a picture.  I borrowed this pic from another mom in our group because by the time I got my camera out, he had already shed the tiara and didn't want to put it back on.  lol

I don't know that this will ever be a birthday Julianne would list as a favorite...but I'm quite sure it will remain one of her most unforgettable.   Happy birthday, Sweetie!

Where we've been...

We have returned safely from a trip to Seattle for the girls to compete in our denomination's Bible quiz nationals.

We're still feeling pretty tired, after arriving home between 4:30 and 5:00 AM Tuesday morning.  That wasn't our original schedule but thankfully, with the holiday, we've got a little time to recover and get back on Eastern Time.

Julianne had a birthday while we were away.  I'll try to get a post up showing pictures of her special day sometime soon.

Oh, and nationals?  The girls were on a team together (which is VERY nice for Mom and Dad-we didn't have to split up and each only get to watch one daughter).  They did well enough in the Round Robin competition to get advanced to the top division (not what we registered for).  In the double elimination tournament, they won their first round but were defeated in the next two.  Making it to the A division put them in the top 12 teams overall, but they didn't place for a trophy.  We are still very proud of them and the rest of our team.