Review: Challenger Soccer Camp

From Bossy:

Last week, Skittles was able to attend the Challenger Soccer Camp after I agreed to write this post for Mom's blog.

As his mom, I was worried about Skittles attending a week-long soccer camp in the heat of July. Soccer has not been one of his sports of interest and it has been super hot, but the camp was well prepared even if I wasn’t. The kids had plenty of chances to refill their water bottles and they were even given healthy snacks during the day. 

On the first day, I forgot sunscreen!  And boy did Skittles let me know he was not happy about his cheeks being sunburned. 

The camp was super organized and required check in and check out of the players each day for safety.  As part of the camp, Skittles received a jersey and ball. We had the option of purchasing shorts or an extra jersey, but even though the prices were pretty reasonable, we decided he really didn't need them. 

 

Every day, there was some sort of homework or game assignment that tied into the theme for the day. Unfortunately, since Skittles is only 6, he didn’t remember his assignment until we were running out the door the following morning. And trying to get him to tell me how it went was like pulling teeth the day of. They had a trophy decorating contest, a flag making contest and other activities to not only teach foundational soccer skills and sportsmanship, but also the “culture” of British soccer. Skittles really liked hearing that his older brothers and aunts and uncles had all attended the same camp when they were younger. 

As a mom that just isn’t a fan of soccer because I was punished one year and made to try it and hated all the running, my child left with a much higher opinion of soccer and its history. 

I would highly recommend this camp to anyone wishing to learn more about the sport and culture. And while I don’t know how much the skills groups would help a veteran player, I can say they made it fun and enjoyable for a kid that probably would have preferred to be inside with his tablet and air conditioning.

Definitely a Rough Week

It has been a rough week. We had Crafty's bridal shower and our annual family campout. Both of those things are wonderfully happy events, but they were tempered by a visit to the ER on Thursday night. 

My sweetie has cancer.

I know you saw Dog Walker drop that word in his story about the campout, and I want you to know that things are hard right now. We had our first appointment at Huntsman and we have the first procedure set for Monday and hopefully a biopsy before the wedding next Saturday.

My sweetie is so sick. We will let you know when we know more.

Bossy's big news!

We are so incredibly excited for Bossy and Gamer!

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday, Skittles!

 

Guest Blog: Family Campout by the Dog Walker

 Mom wanted me to talk about a little family outing that we always go on every summer. We've been going on a fun camping trip up to the Springville Park for one night. I helped with most of the loading of the camping gear while Mom and some of the younger siblings helped out with the food preparations and a little bit of packing for Crafty's wedding. We went to the park right after church on Sunday and set up the tents with some of the siblings who showed up with their kids. Surprisingly, Crafty brought her dog Brisket, but it was no surprise that she brought her fiancé as well.

We had fun celebrating Skittles' birthday. We had little sponge cakes and many other candies as a treat. The kids were really found of melody pops. They were lollipops that were designed like woodwind musical instruments. It kind of annoyed Bossy, but they were at least glad that the kids enjoyed them. Scout and K. had fun crafts set up for the younger kids. Besides the crafts, we played games and had many conversations about past times together. And speaking of past times, the next thing I'm about to tell you is about Dad.

We had Dutch Oven Chicken stew famously made by our Dad. Except this time, we did it for him, because he's done it lots of times for us. He had come to the camp because he asked me, Sport, and many other brethren to help give a healing blessing after being diagnosed with cancer. After all that, we had some stories about Dad told to us that Crafty recorded with her new microphones. We're hoping and praying that he'll be able to have the strength and comfort that he needs as much as we do.

We tried to have a little movie in the park, but with some technical difficulties, we only watched part of it. We had s'mores and plenty of other treats while spending the evening throughout before it was time for bed.

The next morning, we had pancakes and sausages. Right after breakfast we packed up everything to go home and get ready for cousins to spend a few days with us while they're on vacation. I'm sure Mom will tell you all about that. I hope you enjoy these pictures.

It was a really good day.

Crafty's Bridal Shower

I have been working for weeks getting ready for Crafty's bridal shower. I used the last of Grandma Benson's blocks to piece one of her quilts and the other, I made from scratch. It turned out to be the prettiest quilt I've ever made.

We started setting up about 12:30. My Big Sis and L'il Sis both came to help as did Scout, Baby Doll, and K. The green quilt took forever to square up. Guests were starting to show up when I was still tacking the second quilt. Thankfully, all went well. 

Crafty was an excellent host and bride, so I'm not sure anyone even noticed I was running behind. 

Beauty was my #1 quilter. She probably tied twice as many knots as anyone else. I don't know how I would have finished the quilts without her. 

Princess got all the food set up and Duchess was an excellent helper. She even took pictures!

It was a good day.

Wordless Wednesday - We Got This...Push!!

 

You can do it!

Guest Blog: Gloria Falls by the Dog Walker

Ever since going to attend a Singles Ward for the LDS church, I've been trying to socialize and talk to girls by going to the FHE activities. For this activity, it was a short hike up the mountain to visit one of the most majestic waterfalls of Utah. It's been a long time since I ever been on a hike. I think the last time I've been on a hike was back when working on the Backpacking merit badge in Boy Scouts. It was a mile and a half up the steep rocky hill. When making it there, the waterfall was really beautiful, yet it was a little chill to be nearby when it's close to sunset. None of us knew why it was called Gloria Falls, but we were amazed by it. Have you ever been to Gloria Falls? If you haven't and are willing to go on a hike, you ought to see it. It's really beautiful.

Guest Blog: Unexpected Car Failure by Gamer

It's always fun to see husband and wife perspectives on the same event. Here is Gamer's story.

Unexpected car failure. Lead to being in Saint George another night. Bro in law's car broke down. Me and Bossy stayed behind to drive his car home today. Had some fun with the little ones at Pioneer Park while she worked at the hotel room. Will be heading home soon. Lots of fun and activities around town and at the hotel with the pool. 

It's funny, when I ask my sweetie to be in charge of pics, I get one or two. Gamer had 68!

These are my favorite!

He definitely has a mind of his own.