I Hope They Call Grandma & Grandpa On A Mission

A couple of weeks ago we drove to Utah to take an opportunity to visit my Mom & Steve while they serve as missionaries at the Heber Valley Girls Camp in the mountains outside of Heber, UT.

They along with 60+ senior couples are living in their 5th wheel from April-Oct while they work to maintain the camp and be sure that the girls (and other groups) have a wonderful experience when they come up with their wards & stakes.

Elizabeth & Grandpa next to Sarah & Grandma
paddling across the lake

Their assignment this summer is the water front; which means each day they are down by the lake instructing the groups that come how to be safe on the lake, helping them in and out of the boats & rescuing the occasional canoe tip over.  We were able to experience first hand how they spend their days as we were able to enjoy their beautiful lake via paddle boats.

The scenery was beautiful.  It has been a long time since I have been in the "mountains" and I found it so refreshing even as I worked hard to paddle around the lake.  We all (except John) took a turn on the lake.  Several times we switched riding companions so that each of the girls could have a turn with Grandma Sue.  John preferred standing on the shore throwing rocks in the lake . . . does that surprise anyone??

Besides the lake (which was the kids' favorite part), they took us to experience one of the five challenge courses through out the camp.  It was the high course they wanted us to see and were hopeful that we would try.  Paul was the only one in our little group that was brave enough . . .

After being harnessed in and his helmet on he had to climb up the telephone pole.  Once at the top he had to walk across the log.  Once across the log he slid down the zip line.  The zip line looked fun but the rest was a little to "high" for me.  While we were waiting for Paul to go we were able to watch a couple of small children complete the challenge.  It was priceless to see a little boy about Sarah's age walking along the log up so high in the air and then sail down the zip line.  My kids weren't so brave.  I think Paul enjoyed it because he commented that we would like to do it again.

While at the camp we were able to sleep in their simple but very cozy cabins.  The kids loved being able to go "camping", you know sleep in a sleeping bag.  Although I think there were several that did not sleep well.  They were up very early as usual on Sunday morning and since we still had a few hours before we were to show up at Elder & Sister Brown's 5th wheel for breakfast  followed by church, we showered and took the kids exploring on a trail that led out from our campsite.  We followed a maze of wood chip trails from one campsite to the next, to secluded campfire rings and through the beautiful forest.  We saw chipmunks, dealt with pesky flies and were lucky enough to come across several deer. We especially enjoyed seeing two fawns with their mother.  The kids loved how the babies hopped instead of ran or walked.  And they also learned that a male dear is a buck as we saw a beautiful 3 point buck eating his breakfast in a small clearing.

We all had a wonderful time in the mountains, where we could cool off, (notice pants and long sleeves in the picture above . . .), have an opportunity to go camping and most of all to be around Grandma Sue & Grandpa Steve. Thanks for a fun visit!

We're so happy that Grandma & Grandpa are serving a mission (and in such a fun location).  They are setting a wonderful example to all of us for their selfless service as they spend their retirement days helping others to feel the love of our Heavenly Father amongst His beautiful creations.