Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Girls Camp

Going to girls camp with my daughter is one of the most awesome experiences I've had as a mother. Camp Ritchie is amazing even if Britt didn't come but it's triple amazing when we are there together.
Last year was Britt's first year and I got to spend a lot of time with her because I was over all the campfire stuff (which means during the day I didn't really have to do anything) I was able to tuck her in evey night and rappel with her and even go out on the boat with her. This year was different. I was over the YCL's
(the 6th year girls) and was a lot more busy. I tucked Britt in one night the whole time we were there. I did get to see her during every meal but that was about it. It was fun to se her branch out and mingle with different girls in the stake.

Above is the view from my cabin. I could have just stood on our back porch all day and soaked in the amazing view. This picture was taken on Sunday-- it was cloudy and even rained just enough to settle all the dust. In my opinion it was the perfect weather for Sunday.
This is a picture of Britt's scripture time group. They met every morning for a 1/2 hour and studied the scriptures. I was thrilled when we got home and were talking all about camp that Britt said her favorite part was scripture time. (yes my heart leapt) She said that Sister Alt her counselor was an awesome teacher. Britt said that she learned to really appreciate Joseph Smith (which is the 2nd years course of study for certification) Kudo's to her counselor for making her love scripture time. I have to say this was one of my favorite things at camp too. I loved having just my 14 girls and really diving in to the scriptures. I always feel like I learn the most when I have to prepare for stuff like that.

Above are 3 of my YCL's (I need to post a picture of Rhonda who I was a counselor with) I learned a lot from Rhonda and from all of the YCL's. I've been to Camp Ritchie 3 times now and this year was my favorite. I loved being in the cabin with the girls and listening to them share their experiences from serving as a YCL (Youth Camp Leader for those who don't know) It was very cool to hear the chatter after their nightly devotionals. It's very neat to see these YW grow into amazing leaders.

Britt and Holly during the group camp picture.
My cute girls. Rhonda and I are in the black leader shirts. Our girls have been meeting on a monthly basis since January and they planned every detail of camp including the shirts. they turned out very cute.
This is Brittany during flag in the morning. I gotta kick out of watching her. I loved watching her mingle with the girls and eating at mealtime. I was in the front at the YCL table so I was able to watch her over in the 2nd year tables. I loved seeing all of her counselors on one side of her and girls on the other. She was in the middle of everything. (yes it makes a mom proud) (the good kind)Here Britt is doing a spoof on "Cannonball" which is my camp name. She went into my cabin and got my shirt and put her hair in pigtails and totally got on the stage during the 2nd year skit and made fun of her mother. I couldn't even get mad because I was laughing at how dead on she was. It was hysterical!!During the rappelling day at camp the girls go through a bunch of different activites. They do a trust fall which teaches them that they want good friends who will be there to catch them if they ever fall. Then they do the wall climb where the have 30 seconds to plan how they will get each person over the 10 foot wall. Then they can't talk as they execute their plan. Britt was chosen to be the last person up. She helped get everyone up and over and they she had to run and jump and get herself up to the other girls. I love this part of camp. Britt never ceases to amaze me with her leadership skills and how well she works with others.Britt loves the climbing wall. She is a little speed demon. they usually keep times but they weren't doing that this year. Britt also rappelled down a 120 foot rock. This is another favorite part of camp for Britt. This year as a 2nd year Britt also got to go cliff jumping At Sunday campfire Britt, Holly and Kadi were chosen to sing the "The Light Within" they met a few times before camp to practice. Again, Britt amazed me. Each girl had a solo and Britt delivered hers beautifully. I was crying my eyes out (not really a shocker--I do that a lot) On Monday night one of the privileges of being a YCL is that you get to go night rappelling. This is a shot of the moon on the lake as the girls climbed down the wall. We got back to our cabin around 1am. We were very tired but it was amazing. I love Camp Ritchie!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Summertime fun...

On one of the nights that Bella was here it was sooo hot that our pool stayed open until 10pm. It was very refreshing to go over and have a swim. Ally and Bella loved spending the week together. I could watch these two play together all day. They seem to be in the same fantasy world. They imagine the same things and are always in sync of what imaginary thing should be next. It's very adorable.
We go to the pool everyday and Bella thought that was great. She built up a lot of nerve during this week. She finally on the 3rd day got up the nerve t go down the waterslide and she loved it. From then on if Bella was out of sight I knew where to find her.
The kids had a great time playing and swimming. We hope Bella and the other kids can come again before the summer is over.
We met Melanie in our favorite drop off spot which is Vacaville's outlet mall. We always meet at the Jelly Belly store. Nick refused to be in the picture...hmmmm I wonder who he takes after?

The day we dropped Bella of was my birthday. We came back to Pleasanton and went to Kennedy's tournament game here in Pleasanton and then we went over to 7-11 to get our Slurpees.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Please write to us...

Britt and I will be at Camp Ritchie this next week. We will be gone from Saturdaythe 19th until Friday the 25th. We love to get mail from family and friends so please drop us a note
Camp Ritchie
Heidi or Britt Cannon
40900 Highway 88
Pioneer, CA 95665
It does take a while to get there so if you send us anything you'll probably need to send it on Saturday but no later than Tuesday. The only rule is that you can't send something that needs to be signed for like UPS or FEDEX it won't get delivered. US Mail is the best because there is a mailbox. Britt has to sing to recieve packages so that's always fun. I would have to sing too if I got a package, I'm fine with letters:) This is Britt and I rapelling last year. It was such a neat experience to be able to do this with my daughter. Who by the way is totally fearless. We had a lot of fun together.
Brittany and her posse...Britt is all packed and ready to go and has been for like a week. Me--haven't started. Okay, my laundry is done and my shopping is complete so really I'm pretty much done right? I still have like 15 hours what's the rush?
I won't be posting for a while so stay tuned for some new camp pictures... Happy 24th of July!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Happy Birthday Babe

Happy birthday Wayne... We are very lucky to have you in our lives. You are an amazing Dad and I am the luckiest women in the world to have someone care about me as much as you do. I appreciate you so much, the kids adore you. What more could a boy want right? Oh wait a new computer!!! Good thing I love you so much!Thanks for all you do! Hope your day is great. Britt made you a cake, I know you will love it because there will be TONS of frosting!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Happy 4th fun...

For the 4th of July we went over to Andy & Mel's house. My parents were there from Utah. Britt & Beth were in charge of the SORENSEN OLYMPICS. We all had a great time. Bella got to come back to our house for the week while Melanie went to girls camp.

4th of July fun. I love getting together with cousins (Sorensen or Cannon) I love the instant connection of friendship that each kid has with each other. I could just sit and watch them together all day long. (even grumpy ol' Brynnlee who didn't care for me much)

Enjoying fireworks. We are all going to miss Aunt Anne when she moves back to Utah. Maybe she'll come visit me more?

On Saturday we drove Anne & Mel's camping stuff up and helped them set up all their stuff. Then we had a picnic down by the pond. All the kids loved being in the paddle boats or on the floating dock with Uncle Andy. Thanks for the great weekend!!!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

I'm the man...and I'm blogging!!!


What is your full name? (last name not required)
Wayne Michael

Where did you grow up?
I’ll let you know when I grow up. My formative years were spent in West Linn, Oregon.

What is a favorite childhood memory?
During the summer my friends and I would meet at our favorite swimming hole on the Willamette River. My friends and I would climb the rocky bank to the side of the river then swinging from the rope that would dangle over the cold water let ourselves drop into the swift river. The current would carry me 20 or 30 yards, I would climb out and repeat the process until dinner or until we realized that the water was COLD.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy jogging, napping and eating chocolate.

What is something that you think that you are really good at?
I take the best naps of anyone I know.
I can eat more chocolate than anyone I have ever met.

If you weren't married right now, what do you think you would be doing?
If I had not been introduced to the joys of marriage I would be a frantic workaholic.

What is one of the funnest vacations you have ever taken?
Last week my family and I went to Half Moon Bay (20 miles south of San Francisco) where we spent three days. We slept in a tent 100 feet from the ocean. We ate shish kabobs and smore’s, walked along the beach, napped on the beach, built sand castles and played games.

Were you involved in anything in high school?
I loved soccer, had fun while running track, played one year of basketball, endured cross country and was the captain of the “Bachelorettes” (a male dance group that spoofed the girl’s dance team).

What is your occupation?
I sell office imaging products (printers, copiers, software etc.) for Arista.

What brings a tear to your eye?
Chocolate cake that goes to waste.

What upsets you?
Very little gets me upset. Recently, I have become increasingly agitated by hearing the frequent use of the Lord’s name in vain.

Did you attend college? Where?
I acquired B.S. from the University of Utah.

What did you and your wife do on your first date?
We watched Grumpier Old Men. (I was an hour late and Heidi was grumpier than the old men).

What is your favorite movie?.
It’s too hard to narrow down to one favorite movie, but, here are a few of my favorites: Regarding Henry, Tommy Boy, and King Ralph.

What is the worst injury you have ever had?
While engrossed in an intense game of Monopoly my brother, John, bought from me Park Place which gave him a monopoly. Only a few turns later I landed on it with four houses on it (Park Place with four houses is $1300). I don’t recall how much he paid me for Park Place, but, I was convinced that my older brother had taken advantage of me. I stormed out of the room. Minutes later I came running down the hall and did a face forward dive directly at John’s head. Convinced that I would get even for this grave injustice I still recall John’s unapologetic look as I was flying through the air toward him as he sat Indian style on the floor. Just before I landed to unleash my furor he nonchalantly laid on his back. By so doing, my head’s new destination became the corner of the brick fireplace behind him. Although these few seconds are vivid in my mind, the next several minutes are a bit hazy. I am certain, however, that the babysitter earned her money that night as she cleaned blood from the carpet.

Where would you like to vacation one day?
I would like to take Heidi to Hawaii. I used to travel there on business, but never had a chance to enjoy it.

If you were going on a road trip, what 3 cd's would you bring along?
If I only have choice of 3 CD’s I would require diversity. At this stage in my life anything but Hannah Montana would be nice. Here are my three:
Back in Black by AC/DC
Best of James Taylor
Soundtrack from Les Miserables

And last but not least...What do you love the most about your beautiful wife??
First of all, I love that she is mine. Heidi has perfect lips -- but, what I love the most is that whatever we do Heidi makes it fun.

*Bonus Question: What were your wedding colors?
Our wedding colors were black and white.


Tuesday, July 1, 2008

GRAMMA LOOK...

Hello HAYDEN, HALLIE, MITCHELL, PARKER, ANNIE, and COOPER we hope you are all enjoying your fun sleepover with Gramma Jackie. We wish we could be there to give you all hugs and kisses! You will have to hug & kiss Gramma & Grampa for us! WE LOVE YOU!!! Jay was trying to blow a bubble but it didn't work to well 'cause he didn't have time to chew
Peace out & I love you from BRITT & JAY
Ally wishing she could be at a sleepover with GRAMMA too... Instead she'll go to the neighbors and have one there. Don't feel to bad for our kids they went to the FAIR and then a sleepover at our neighbors. (I'm sure they'd rather be in OREGON)
Have a wonderful time and enjoy each other. Like Gramma always says...
"Remember who you are"
Love you guys!!!