Camping is Not For Wimps

I'm feeling somewhat guilty writing this post in the comfort of my air-conditioned home. You see I just got back from visiting the young women at girls camp. Even though I was just released from my calling, I promised the girls I would go see the cute skit they prepared for camp. It was so HOT (the weather, not the skit, although the skit was great- the best one of the night-and I'm not at all biased). The temperature in my car said 84 degrees when I got back home and that was well after midnight, not to mention the insane humidity that is out there right now. Those girls are troopers.

Sophie was SO excited to go to camp. This is her first year going. The best part for her was probably getting ready for camp. Here is her camp bucket after we spray painted the zebra stripes. They use these buckets to store snacks, treats, and such because they're water proof and raccoon-proof (lovely thought, I know).
Here's her bucket after adding the cushion on top for sitting on around the campfire. Look at the enthusiasm on her face. When I went to visit tonight, the heat, humidity, and the exhaustion from a full-day's activities had somewhat stripped her face of that initial excitement. Hopefully a good night's 80+ degree sleep will get her up to form again for tomorrow.

For Hailey and Billy and Crystal

This is Hailey Carolynn Hunter. Gorgeous, isn't she? Her parents are Billy and Crystal. On March 13th (at about three months of age) she unexpectedly passed away in her sleep. News of her passing the following day hit our ward at church like a ton of bricks. You immediately start to think what in the world you can possibly do to help the grieving parents. Nothing can possibly be adequate, you just try to be there for them, whatever that means.

Being around them more during that time and since I have been touched by their strength and see that in a time of great tragedy you can either turn to God or turn away from him. They have chosen to turn to God and put their faith in him. I'm sure they have their dark moments, but they know that because of the gospel in their lives, and their faith in Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation, they will be together again as a family in the eternities.

Recently Crystal gave me some of Hailey's clothes she wore and I made a patchwork remembrance pillow out of them for her and Billy.

I especially love the squares with specific detailing from her clothes like these flowers that were on the bottom of a swing top she had (see picture below), or the cute little pocket with the teddy on the front from a pair of corduroy overalls.
Here's the back of the pillow. The buttons for the flap enclosure are buttons from one of her shirts.
Here is a picture of Hailey in one of the shirts used in the pillow. This is the cute shirt with the flowers. I also used the top portion of this shirt and kept the gathers near the buttons on that square. Oh she is too precious!
Crystal and Billy have turned Hailey's room into a guest room. They call it "Hailey's Hideaway".

Oh Yeah, and Phillip had a Birthday

So it's been over a month since this actually happened....call the slacker police. I sure hope my posterity appreciates this!

Anyhoo...Phillip is now officially 4 and he is a hoot. I love his little personality. He says the cutest things and because he has older siblings he says things that I can't imagine any of the other three ever saying when they were 4. For example, last week as we were strolling down the street and he was on Dave's shoulders he was rambling about something and out popped the word "custody". Where in the world?

I love how he says his words too. He hasn't quite mastered all of his "L", "D" and "M" sounds and will say things like "I'm going to BESTROY (destroy) you", or when he tastes something he doesn't like: "That's BISGUSTING (disgusting)", or when he requests to watch a family favorite movie: "BUWAN" (MULAN). And of course my favorite "I WUV you".

He's recently moved on from his long "CARS" kick, and has become quite a fan of Buzz Lightyear, thanks in large part to the newest Toy Story movie that just came out. You'll see a certain theme to much of his birthday this year in the pictures....

His First Birthday party with friends (L-R: Cash Orton, Sky Broderick, Harrison Hoyt, Phillip Chapman, Jackson Hoyt, Maddie Chapman, David Rodabough, Natalie Rodabough, Ryan, and Mckay Rodabough)

Best Buds

Another bud