Memorial Day 2010

For the third time in 4 years, we went camping over Memorial Day weekend with friends.

This tradition started in 2007 during Karren's morning sickness with Sonya. We went with the Barkers to Cape Lookout State Park.

In 2008, we camped with the Barkers and Bowdens at Silver Falls State Park.

In 2009, the Barkers were on sabbatical and we decided not to go for some reason.

This year, we camped with the Barkers and Evertons at the Valley of the Rogue State Park. This campground was fun, but really loud due to its proximity to I-5. I don't think we will go back.

We embarked on our 4 hour drive down to Southern Oregon and met the Barkers in Grants Pass for a scenic jetboat excursion of Hellgate Canyon. It was a lot of fun and we saw quite a few birds, but the best part was seeing Sonya's reaction on the boat. The following picture and video says it all:





After the fun on the boat, we bought groceries for our meal. Each family prepared a meal for the rest of the camp and we had Sunday breakfast (Dutch oven stuffed banana French toast ... mmmm). The weather was a welcome respite from the constant rain we've been having. Sunny!

Sunday was a restful day. Cameron went with the Everton family to see Crater Lake (or what little of it was open) and Karren stayed behind to hike.

The 5 kids all had fun (even Lucas who is crying in the photo).


As always, the best part of the trip was the company. We feel that we know the Evertons and Barkers even better now.

On Monday, we broke camp and came home. In the evening, our family went to visit Miah's grave. It was sentimental for the entire family. Sonya put some flowers from our garden on Miah's grave. We miss her dearly and hope she is doing a lot of good in heaven.

Sonya Wonders .....

"How fast can I eat this Cupcake?"

"Does my Great Grandpa Wilde love me?"

"What's my worth in Gold?"

These photos will give you the answer:


(Pretty fast)


(Just look at those faces)


(Answer courtesy of Klondike Gold Rush National Park)

Sonya's Drawings

Sonya drew these at Grandpa and Grandma Wilde's (her Great Grandparents) house yesterday.

This first one is a Sonya original:


This second one, Sonya dressed her mother's stick figures of her family:

Puppy Love

Sonya is desperately in love with her cousin, Buffy. I think there's quite a family resemblence, don't you? Here's some shots of their weekend together:

Cooking in the Kitchen with the YW

Karren has a new calling in the ward.  She is YW Laurel's advisor.  Last night, she showed the girls how to cook eggs in various ways.  This is an important skill for all college bound girls.  Also, notice the new kitchen. :) 

The Trip Home

After 8 weeks of vacationing, we had to return home so I could begin work on Monday (two days ago). We decided to take the northern Montana route instead of the southern Idaho route. The time was almost identical and this choice was more scenic. This allowed us to stop at another national monument, Grant-Kohrs Ranch. I think Sonya enjoyed the Smokey the Bear binoculars given to her by the Forest Ranger best at this stop.

Chosing this route also allowed us to stop at my grandparents museum in Polson, Montana. I haven't been there since well before my mission in 1997. It was great to spend the evening with them and let them get to know Sonya and Karren a little more.



Now I am home and back to the grind. Only 6 2/3 years until I am eligible for my next sabbatical .... sigh!

Yellowstone National Park

Karren, Sonya and I spent two days and nights in Yellowstone National Park where we experienced:

1) Animals:




2) Geysers



3) Hot Springs



4) Cute Sonya Moments




5) Stubborn Beasts Blocking Our Road


6) And Restful Nights in Our Log Cabin