Dixon Family Camping Reunion 2011

Dixon Family Camp (Reunion) 2011 was held this year at Albert Moser Campground near Preston, Idaho. The beautiful Cub River ran right through the campground, actually right behind our tent!

It has a lot of beautiful ground and tree foliage, and each campground was pretty secluded. Mom and Dad were in charge this year. We had a very fun 4 days near the end of July eating way too much yummy food, and playing our favorite games, Scum and Mill. David and I also taught the kids how to play Kick-the-Can, and we spent a lot of time reading and visiting while the kids played together.

This was Joshua's bug friend he found. He played with it for half the day, and it just sat there on this sweatshirt or his hand while he went about his business.

Steve's favorite past-time at camp

Joshua's "bug tent" he built... everyone needs a canopy!

Cousins Samantha and Macey wearing the "leaf hats" we made. The giant leaves were so fun!

Bryson, Kyle, and Joshua "protecting" the camp... Joshua helped them build these lethal weapons.

On Friday, we went to Bear Lake (one of our favorite places) and set up a day camp for ourselves between all the other people who also love it there. It was crazy busy, but as usual, we had a really fun time.

Josh and his "twin" cousin, Macey (that's only 9 days older). The rule of the day...the sandier the better!

 

Wake up, Rachel! Don't want to get roasted!

Swimmin' in the sand... (The water canons were one of Grandma's surprises. So fun for the kids and grown ups, too!)

Grandma's ring pops were a very special treat! (I have no idea what that white line is... probably a glare. I guess Nathan was  just inhaling the sunshine!)

We had planned to go into Preston on Saturday, but everybody was so happy hanging around camp that we ended up staying there all day. Sunday included the usual Primary and Adult FHE lessons. Mom and Dad taught the kids about the Atonement and the love of their Savior, and Steve and I taught about "Deciding to be Happy".

This is the handout I created, and the whole lesson is outlined on the card.

 We had a killer dutch oven potluck dinner that afternoon. Sunday night, we were forced to our beds early (around 8:30) because it started raining. It poured all night, complete with thunder and lightning and rained so heavily that everyone's tents leaked and Mom and Dad's gigantic canopy actually broke and collapsed. (But, Josh was thrilled to find his "bug tent" still standing!!) It was a mess cleaning up to go home that next morning, but everyone was surprisingly happy and helpful. It made me grateful to have such a loving supportive family that worked together until everyone was cleaned up and packed up, and we all left together. We were so muddy that all the shoes were collected in a garbage bag, and Joshua went home without pants (we gave him a towel, though)! We missed Shaunna and Eric's family (though they sent Landon and Branson from Alaska) and Michael and Krystal, who were unable to come. Here is the beautiful parting picture we took as we pulled out of the campground. It takes my breath away...

Joshua's Baptism

 

On Saturday, June 4th, my fourth child was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since he was about 6, Josh has been so anxious. He was so happy that day that he could finally be baptized! Grandma and Grandpa Brown were here still from Sarah's graduation. It was a happy, calm, beautiful morning. After our traditional breakfast of rolled-up pancakes, we sent him in to get ready. I've never seen that boy get his church clothes on so fast in his whole life!

(See...? Everyone else is still their pajamas!)

After he was ready, he opened a present from us (his family) and was so excited, he could hardly stand it. He started reading 1 Nephi that very moment. He took his scriptures to the baptism with him and read in the car both ways.

The man of the hour... our future missionary!

At the church, we met up with lots of family and friends who came to share his special day. Grandma and Grandpa Dixon, aunts, uncles and cousins, home teachers, and primary leaders were there.

Daddy and Joshua

Our whole happy family!

Joshua with Grandpa and Grandma Dixon

 The Stake presented the baptism portion of the program and then we went to the room where the font is and witnessed his baptism. He was so happy, and hugged his daddy for a really long time (and that takes a lot... he's a very cuddly boy). While our "boys" got dressed, we were excused into our own little room where we waited for them and then had a little meeting for his confirmation. After our good bishop, Bishop Lothspeich, said some neat things about Joshua and the ordinance he had just participated in, Grandma Brown told some stories and shared her sweet testimony about the Holy Ghost. Then, surrounded by men that love him and hold the Holy Priesthood, Joshua was confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was so sweet, and beautiful words were spoken. I love, love, love that my husband (and equal partner in raising these amazing kids) is worthy and able to baptize and confirm my children. It brings tears to my eyes just to think of the gratitude I have that he is able to perform such vital ordinances for of our children. I'm so proud of my little Joshua and his sweet little testimony and desire to do what's right. He tried so hard during the weeks before his baptism to choose the right and be extra kind and thoughtful. Oh, how I love him!

After all the hugs, we came back home  to change clothes and... we partied!! Our new house and yard is so perfect for such events and it was an amazing beautiful summer day! We had pizza and pop (Joshua's choice) with fruit and treats. The kids played and the grown ups sat around and visited. It was wonderful, relaxing, and the perfect end to a perfectly fabulous day!

Aaarrrgghh! It's Captain Nathan and his matey, Uncle Richard.

Our littlest cousins Kassandra and Hailey

Grandpa and Grandma Dixon, Uncle David and Aunt Valaire, Mommy, Aunt Sheri, Gramdma Brown, Jared and Jeff

Grandpa Brown, Aunt Kristina, Shannon, Uncle Kelly, and Kassandra

Daddy, Uncle Richard, Aunt Kathy, Jesse Vincent (our junior home teacher) and Rachel

Resting and visiting. Grandpa Dixon is resting best! :)

Kassie loved her mommy's chocolate sheet cake!

We love our sweet Joshua!