Moxley camp day 5

I have decided that I love going to new wards on holidays. I really do. The ward in Champion is tiny and our family swelled its numbers. We probably doubled it. We were delighted to know that Bev delivered the eggs to the church and left them in the fridge.

Sunday. A day of rest. And rain. While we were sitting in the combined meeting, we could hear rain on the roof. We were glad we were in church and not at the campground. We wondered if anyone would care if we spent the afternoon at the church to stay out of the rain. But we didn't...

We had a little incident after church. Devin asked to drive back to the camp. We were ok to let him. He started following Uncle Jay through the little town and when Jay went through the stop sign, Devin did the same. Jeff and I got after him. Then a few minutes later, I saw from the back seat, Devin pick up his cell phone at the same time he went right through another stop sign. Then we really got after him to which he slammed on the brakes and stopped right in the middle of the road. He said he was finished driving. He couldn't handle us talking to him. He wasn't ready to hear what we had to say about his driving. So Jeff got in the drivers seat and because I was already in the back seat, I let Devin and Aaren trade places. Aaren took the front passenger seat and Devin took his usual place in the van. (It might be in Devin's best interest to enroll in Drivers Ed.)

Devin texting on his cell phone because when you have cell service, you take advantage of it as much as possible!

Back at the camp, the kids changed and we got lunch. I made KD and ichiban for our family. I took a rest in the trailer with Rebekka after we ate. I had the beginnings of a headache and hoped a nap would help. It did. After a couple of hours, I felt better. Certainly not rested, but better.

We had spaghetti for supper as a whole extended family. With lots of noddles, sauce and bread to space. Enough leftovers to to feed another few campsites!!

Thanks mom for doing so much of the work to prepare it!

After dinner, we had time visiting together. The kids separated into two groups and each created a skit to perform for the adults. They also did a couple of rounds of musical chairs.  Into the evening, another storm rolled in. As it started spitting, Devin outfitted with a rain poncho and a beach umbrella headed up the hill to get cell service. Within minutes, the storm let loose and everything be an to get soaked. I was in the trailer with the kids and I could see a bunch of the adults trying to wait out the storm under Justin's yard shelter. About 13 people and most we getting kinda wet. Mom grew pretty concerned about Devin being out in the thunder lightening and heavy rain. I wasn't too worried. I figured he would be wet but would do so to have Internet connection. Before too long, Mom and Jeff jumped into her car and headed up the hill to look for him. They found behind a sign a resort sign at the top of the hill soaked, a little chilly and glad for his phone. He was not ready to leave despite his circumstance so they left him with the promise to be back at camp by 11:30pm. When Devin arrived, everyone else had headed to bed. The campfire was still burning although just barely due to the heavy rain, but Devin stoked it up and had a little campfire by himself. Our site was the closest to the fire. I think he headed to his tent about 2:30am. 

Moxley camp day 4

It was another nice day today but nobody wanted to go swimming at the lake. It wasn't nice enough to desire going back again to swim.  It was decided to go to Vulcan to swim!

We planned to go to Vulcan to see the Star Trek Centre anyway, so swimming was an added bonus!
After breakfast was eaten and cleared away, we gathered swimming gear and picnic stuff for a day away from the campground.
We headed to Vulcan. We stopped at the visitors/tourist stop on the highway and took pictures at the enterprise. We hope to go to the Star Trek museum but it was just too expensive.

After the kids reached boredom levels at the tourist site, we piled back in vehicles and drove over to the swimming pool. I admit to getting a little lost, but was back on track in no time. After a group effort to access the pool and seeing if we wanted to swim there, we gathered in the community gazebo and ate our lunches. Everyone had to eat before entering the pool to swim for the afternoon. Food wasn't allowed inside like it is here at home. We had a picnic lunch which some of my kids ate more of then others. Grandma paid for all of us to swim.  Thanks mom!
It felt so good to be in the water after a couple of days of camping! Even better after a few days without a shower. The pool was a nice temperature. It was super fun! There was lots of us swimming and only a few locals. I'm sure their pool made money today off us swimming! Everyone was delighted with the hot tub. The littles spent a lot of time in it!

Everyone had so much fun with grandma, aunts and uncles, and cousins. I was sad that Jeff, Brandon and Devin weren't with us. We missed them.

The kids loved playing chicken in the pool until the lifeguards stopped it. But catch with pool balls, the climbing wall, the diving board and baby slide kept everyone busy. We were at the pool in Vulcan for several hours.

After swimming, everyone took showers in preparation for Sunday. Hair and bodies were washed. I think I washed my hair three times!!

I stopped for gas before heading out to the campground. I think every time we went somewhere, I had a different arrangement of cousins in the back.
Back at camp, I prepared tacos for our family for supper. It was quick and easy. Each family had their own meals but everyone readily shared what they brought. 

After their supper, the kids and cousins, played several rousing rounds of musical chairs. They felt a little awkward when an adult camper vacationing beside us came to join the fun.
Rain came again tonight. We had hoped to have another campfire but it was just too wet. The rain lasted until about 10pm, but by then most were in their tents for the night.
Jeff and Devin showed up late. Brandon stayed back in Raymond. Devin stayed up late and started a campfire. He kept the fire going so long that there wasn't much wood left for the next day.

Uh, thanks Devin..

Moxley camp day 3

Friday morning was a leisurely morning. We spent the day visiting and chillin. I loved it. After lunch we headed to the lake for swim time. This time we sat on the other side of the beach and it was much nicer. I was able to try out the paddleboard. After finding my sea legs, I paddled around for a bit going past the floating dock and in and out of the swimmers. It's great fun.

After a great afternoon, everyone gathered up and went back to the campsites to get ready for our outing to Champion. Mom's cousin Bev and Richard Smith live on a farm west of Champion and we were close enough to visit. We went for a wiener roast supper and a farm visit.

They have a beautiful farm and own 1 section of land. Bev delighted the family with a farm tour.

The kids collected an ice cream bucket full of eggs which Bev said we must take for breakfast the next morning.

The family was also shown how they milked the cows back in the day. The city kids were grossed out by cow patties and chickens getting too close. But we're excited to find more eggs. Even the aged dog Lad was excited for eggs. One of the eggs dropped and a couple weren't good so he got a treat.

After our hotdog and marshmallow roast, we toured the old family farm house- approximately 100 years old. It was a beautiful piece of architecture and had so many vintage and historical artifacts. It was a delight. The stairs were super steep and each step was skinny. I couldn't imagine climbing those regularly with children or items in my arms. I suppose you would become accustomed to them over use. Each of the rooms were spacious we loved the details in woodwork. 

The house had a coal room in the basement and a large coal pile still remains. There was a root cellar and a cold storage room. There was even a long underground tunnel from the house out to the garage. It was creepy. Sherilyn took lots of pictures. My phone battery was dead so no pictures for me. :(

After the tour, we said our goodbyes and gathered for home. But we forgot the eggs!! Mom was super disappointed because she wanted some farm fresh eggs. I called Bev and she said she would get them to us!

Thanks to Bev and Richard for the delightful evening.

On the way home, we stopped in Champion to check out their community pool. Another day at the lake didn't sound appealing especially since we were thinking on cleaning up for church Sunday. 

MFC day 2

Aunt Krista likes to call our holiday reunion time the MFC. Moxley Family Camp.

Day 2

We had cold cereal for breakfast. So easy. Our kids were glad we finally got to open the Frosted Flakes and Vector!!

We spent the morning sitting around the camp visiting and the kids creating something for their secret cousin.

Each child drew a cousins name and were supposed to make or do something nice for the person whose name they picked. There was a lot of thoughtful and creative gifts. Wood burning, painting, beaded items, nature crafts, lashing and candy sticks. It was so nice to see cousins doing something nice for someone else.

After lunch and because Jeff and the boys were leaving today, we were sure to take some cousins pictures. So fun and the kids cooperated so well. Even the babies. Yay! We were just missing Cullen. He fits in on the very end.

Birth order. 

Boys and girls.

Around 3pm, everyone was ready for the beach. We loaded Justin's truck with water toys and we headed to the beach for a late afternoon of play. Jeff stayed back at the camp. 

The beach and swimming area was nasty. Smelly icky weedy water, rocky beach and gooey slimey lake bottom awaited our play. I sat in the shade and watched the fun. And took random candid pictures on Sherilyn's nice camera.

After dinner we sat at the camp visiting and enjoying the campfire. Kids played with the scooters, bikes and hammock. They also chased voles in the bushes but the highlight of the evening was getting a turn to drive Uncle Jay's car. When Jay arrived, the kids were excited to see hhim. And then he let everyone take a turn driving so slowly with him around the campground circle. It was hilarious to watch them pull up beside our sites, the child driver get out the driver side door then another cousin would climb over onto Jay's lap and off they would go with the new child taking a turn driving. Jay had his car full of kids. It reminded me of the clown car in the movie Dumbo. Thanks Jay for making driving fun.

Just before 9pm, Karla, Jaidyn and I made a stop to get ice at the small concession before we went up the hill to get cell service. At the concession building, I found an old telephone booth. Jaidyn didn't even know what it was. Crazy!! 

Moxley camping trip- day 1

Check in at the campground is after 4pm. The kids really wanted to be there right after check in.

I have been up since early this morning still packing and preparing.

Rebekka wasn't feeling great today and slept a lot today. Because she slept so much, we were able to get the packing done easier. Thanks to the older siblings helping out with her when she was awake and wanted attention. Cassandra was especially helpful in that regard.

We left Raymond at 4:30pm. We had to make several stops in Lethbridge. Our first was to Booster Juice. Jeff picked a bunch of coupons from the summer games so we treated the kids. This was the first time for many of us.

It took a long time to choose.

The kids watching the smoothies being made. Rebekka and Jeff were in the van.

Our next stop was at Superstore for some last minute groceries. I forgot the ice.

Then we needed propane for the camp chef. That was a waste of time because they wouldn't fill the tanks. They were expired. But we got ice!!

And then we were off. We left from east Lethbridge and planned to travel through Coaldale then on to Little Bow.

I had been watching Rebekka and noticed she was looking a little green around the gills so Devin and I switched seats. It's a good thing we did because as much as she loved her booster juice, she threw it all up before we reached Coaldale. I was able to help her and Devin was grateful. It was a good thing she only got a small!  Then on to Little Bow Provincial Park. The drive was lovely. We saw fields of wheat, barley, canola, hemp, sugar beets, corn and flax. We also a lambing operation, a beautiful river bottom and some pasture fields with cow calf pairs. 

I love this land.

It took us just over an hour to arrive at Little Bow Provincial Park. 

The family saved us a great spot at the campground. Thanks.

Everyone burst from the van happy to see extended family and explore the campsites.

Jeff and I began the arduous task of camp setup while trying to feed hungry kids. They started with cake and ice cream because it was Justin's birthday. Happy birthday little brother!

The kids weren't really interested in eating much supper due to the copious amounts of booster juice and other treats but by the time the tent was set up, they were ready to eat. Except that it was now bedtime. So after supper or second supper from cousins and what I could scrounge together, the kids headed to bed. But didn't sleep. Because who can go to bed early on a camping trip??!!!

We set up our large tent and had 7 kids sleeping in it beside our trailer. B, D, A, M and Mckenna, E and S. 

Can't wait for tomorrow!!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Jeff today. 44yrs. 

He had a nice day.

Savanna found the CUTCO scissors. They fell out of a bag on the shelf in littles room while they were looking for gift bags. Hit her toe. Then Evan came to me with them asking what they were. I was so excited. Told them to show dad.

Aaren found out and suggested that we should have given it to Jeff for a birthday present. I didn't think of that. Shucks.

Evan and Savanna began fighting over who really found it after I said to wrap for dad. Both couldn't agree. They came to me arguing about it, each with a side of the scissors in their hand. Because the scissors come apart I told each to wrap the piece they had. Argument settled, they both left to go wrap their piece. 

So excited to give to Jeff.

Jeff and I are so pleased to have the CUTCO scissors back. They have been missing for over 2 years. We thought we lost them in the move. So glad to have them back!!!

In celebration of Jeff's special day we attended the new 9th ward party. So nice to be there although there was not a lot of the ward members there. I enjoyed seeing new people and made an effort to say hi to those I didn't know. I'm excited for our new ward!

Washing machine woes

Our washing machine isn't working.

Again.

In a family our size, without access to a Laundromat, this inconvience has been extremely difficult.

Thoughout this week, we have taken several loads of wash over to Jeff's parents. Mom has let us use her machines in between her loads and Dallin & Heather's wash. Friday night Jeff and I took over a massive pile of towels and rags for washing. Thank you mom for washing 4 loads for us. We then took over a few loads on Saturday. 

We won't have a washer until next weekend. Lynette Martin is getting new machines delivered and said we can have her old ones. Yay. But... We won't have them until sometime around the 30th. Boo.

Until then, we ration what needs washing and hope the week goes quickly!

We washed Sunday shirts and whites last evening and picked them up after we got back from the Magrath fireworks. We took them back to our house to dry. 

Saturday

I was at Steed's this morning and then immediately following, I got in the van and the family minus B and D went to Magrath for the parade. Brandon was working today but was asked to drive the Town of Raymond truck in the parade. He drove the truck over earlier and we all eagerly waited to see him in the parade.

The children loved the parade candy of course. I was conversing with some of the kids about parades I have been to someone asked if the Calgary parade throws candy. I said no. It was too big. Evan said that would be a lot of candy and it was cost too much. I said yes there is a lot of people. Then he said that is why the cousins come to the Raymond parade- to get candy!! I just smiled.

Rasmussen family float.

Brandon headed to the transfer station for the rest of the afternoon once back home. Aaren went out to work at Keelers. Devin was at the pool working. I spent some time preparing for the family camp and then Jeff was in and out with things he was doing. We planned to pick more cherries from Hogg's but we ran out of time. I did get the broccoli detailed and ready to blanch and freeze. Jeff helped!!

I left with the younger kids to Dalen's family birthday party/wiener roast at corner lake at 5:30pm. Jeff went out to Keelers to get Aaren. Brandon got off work at 6.

At 5:50pm I left Cassandra and Maren in charge of their siblings at the lake and left to go to Steed's. I met Jeff and Aaren back at home and they delivered the supper plate for Devin that I took with me when I left the wiener roast.

After my hour at Steeds's, I gathered dry clothes for Savanna. Jeff called and said she got a lot wet in the lake. He said it was intentional. Until she was cold and shivering. Then she wished she wasn't. (The fire helped)

I brought Brandon back with me. He wasn't very desirous to stay once there. We packed up at 8:30 and once home kids were headed to the tubs for baths. 

Baths were done, stories read and littles asleep. By 10pm I was working on packing everyone back up into the van to go to the Magrath fireworks.

Devin chose to drive and between him and a van full of tired and nervous backseat drivers, it was a difficult drive. Add a venue change, and by the time we parked, nobody was in the best of moods.

We watched the fireworks from the grain elevators with everyone but Devin. He left in a huff to find Halli. The fireworks were moved to the Cole soccer fields on the highway. Previously they have been watched at the school fields. 

Brandon wanted to find friends but after considering the futility of it, stayed with us.

We took a side road less travelled by home to avoid traffic and was back to Ray town at 11:15pm. We picked up wet white laundry from Mom's. At home Jeff and I carried sleeping kids into the house.

The broccoli still needed to be blanched so I turned on the pot of water and set to work. I did most of the blanching and transferring. Jeff sucked the air out of all the bags.

Jeff and I finished the broccoli project. It is now 12:45am and we just put away 13 large ziplock bags stuffed full of broccoli in the freezer. So THANKFUL.