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...