Mt. Graham at Labor Day

Because of the fire danger during the summer, our family did not get to go to Mt. Graham around the 4th of July.  It was sorely missed!  So as the summer ended and school began, we eagerly looked forward to Labor Day and our family time up on Mt. Graham.  At this special time we see all types of memories being made - friendships renewed, moments of relaxation enjoyed, games played, working together, and love increased.  It just doesn't get better than that!

A little competitive game of Scrabble

Working together to put the awnings up

Sometimes, it's a little tricky...but our girls are pros at this!

This dad loves that cute little boy!!

Some are very diligent in their studies! 

Newly-married Jon

Shay having fun with cousin Rebecca Hodges

Some of the best people we know

How we love Aunt Roxanne and Uncle Dennis

By Saturday afternoon, most of the family has arrived.  Around the cabin, many tents start popping up.  We call it "Tent City".  That is where the very brave and courageous sleep.  (I am not one of those!)  Those women (Roxanne, Katie, Jennie K., Harmony, LaDawn, Yvette, and our very pregnant Jenny) are troopers in the truest of descriptions.  They brave the weather, the skunks and bears, and other little necessities each night.  I am in awe of their determination to make the best of any situation.  How I love these women!

There is always a game of Ultimate Frisbee.  I have noticed that my girls are on the ground more than they are standing up.  I'm not sure why! 

There is much preparation for the dinner that evening and a few prayers that the heavens will stay the rain.  It was one of our largest dinners to date.

Jennie K. helping to prepare the food

Sunday was a beautiful day in so many ways.  It is fast Sunday, and also becomes a testimony meeting.  I had the privilege of teaching the young women.  I had over 25 young women in the front of the cabin!  It was amazing.

The make-shift parking lot...there are a lot of trucks!

Look real close at the priesthood bench in the upper left-hand corner.  Those administering and passing the sacrament always wear a white shirt and tie.

It was a very large "congregation" this Sunday....over 400 people in attendance.  The spirit was strong and our spirits were filled.  It was a wonderful Sabbath day.
And then there is Jade.....
Her faces and antics kept us all laughing the whole time she was awake. We sure had fun with her and enjoyed watching her daddy chase her all over the cabin area.  Definitely brought back a lot of memories!!

Her make-shift play-pen...the back of the truck!

She had a love/hate relationship with the swing. 

Loved it for awhile, then would get afraid, then would want to go "way high"

She figured out how to push the button for water.  Oh, she had fun with that!

 This face of content and happiness depicts how we all feel after a wonderful weekend with family.  Each night we kneel in prayer around the front bed in the cabin.  There is usually not enough room for everyone to kneel.  Our family is large and includes all who want to join.  Grandma always expresses her love and hope that we stay strong in the gospel and love each other.  Isn't that every mom's heartfelt wish??  It was another wonderful time in our very own piece of heaven.