Keith Henry Gunderson

 1920-2012

Troy's grandpa (gramps) was admitted to the hospital a few weeks before our trip. He had fallen a few times and just needed some extra care.. He went from the hospital to a nursing home and then back to the hospital... Sadly the day we went to Sea World he passed away.. We were heartbroken.. We loved him so much, we will definitely miss him.. He was one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. From the day I met him until the day he died, he always made me feel like I was just one of his own.. I loved this man from the bottom of my heart. My kids loved him.. I loved that he taught them all to swim.. I love that Troy is so much like him.. I love that we will get to see him again.. I miss him dearly, however I can imagine his reunion on the other side must have been amazing.. Til we meet again Gramps...

Gramps in the hospital, still spunky..

 

Love this guy..

 

 

Troy's Dad, his sisters, brother and Grandma..

 

Best Vacation Ever...

August 3, 2012 we set out on an adventure.. One that would take us through Utah, Nevada and all over California.. We were gone for ten days, but it was the best ten days ever....

 

We started our journey in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget...

 

Our "Official" first day in California... We spent the first half checking out Hollywood.. We saw the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, the Stars, Cole Dr, the Los Angeles Temple (which was just amazing,) and many other cool things. We were going to go to Sprinkles in Beverly Hills, but the line was sheer insanity.. :(

 

We then headed to Venice Beach.. It was obviously a day for the beach, because we had to park a ways away and walk but it was so pretty.. Courtnee had been dying to go to the beach, and then she was so cold... Hence her wrapped in the towels.. Ryker was cold too and not really sure if he loved the beach, but the other kids loved it!! Jade loves the sand, it has a calming effect on him.. Too fun..

 

 

Day one, California Adventure... We headed straight to Cars Land.. I must say, it was so cool!! It was just like being in the movie!! The boys were just in love with it.. From the cars that drive around, to the cone snack buildings, the rides, the gift shops (that about broke us,) to every little detail!! It was the best part!! Loved it..

 

These are a combo of California Adventure and Disney.. While the bigger kids were on the Grizzly Rapids, Nancy my Mom and I went and walked. We found this Ghiradelli ice cream shop.. I got this sundae that was to die for!! So yummy... Loved the silhouette of the bear at sunset..

 

 

Always love Toon Town... Love how Jade just photo bombed Nancy and Levi's picture.. :) Pirates was probably by far our favorite ride.. Levi found an awesome pin in a pin shop... It's the same one from Up... Gotta love everyone checking their phones.. :)

 

 

Gotta love the turkey legs at Disney!! We LOVED them.. :)

 

 

What a magical time we had here... :)

 

 

We drove down to San Diego for a few days there. So much fun.. Here are some odds and ends pics.. We ate a few times at Oggi's (sounds like oh geez,) and since that is Nancy's favorite saying, it was fitting to get a pic of her in front of it. Gotta love the name of the "other" restaurant we passed.. ;) We went to Old Town San Diego one night and ate at the Mexican restaurant. Yummy.. Love the San Diego temple.. It is my most favorite of any of them. So beautiful.. Troy sleeping, Stockton playing IPad, and Levi with the liquor "stash.."

 

 

Today we went to Coronado Island.. Spent all day at the beach. Levi, Troy and Stockton were so far out in the ocean, with goggles, collecting live sand dollars.. We must have had over 30.. Jade loved the sand, but Ryker wasn't too sure about it. After a while he warmed up to it and was just as dirty as Jade was... Cole loved playing in all the waves.. Court, we she just loved being at the beach..

 

 

Today was Sea World.. Love this place, does not ever get old... Such a beautiful day to be there. Courtnee wanted to swim with the dolphins so bad, but her wonderful Mother did not call in time to reserve her a spot, so she had to settle with just petting them. :)

 

 

Last day in Vegas, then it was homeward bound.. Best vacation EVER!!

 

 

 

Girls Camp...

(7/24/2012) Oh Girls Camp... I was asked to back to Girls Camp this year.. I was a little hesitant, but in the end said Yes!! So happy that I did, we had so much fun. There was NO drama, no fighting, TONS of laughing, a few sick girls, a few injuries but Amazing experience, again!

 

Before our camping adventure begins...

 

Kylee, Courtnee & Amanda

 

 

The first devotional we went to. We went to many, they were so spiritual and uplifting.. Although the hike there was not so uplifting.. ;)

 

Miss Courtnee, doing the Zip line...

 

Our Fourth years making our bulletin board.. Our theme this year was "No Doubt," we made our personal theme "Fight like a girl," hence the bulletin board. They had fun make it unique..

 

The finished project!

 

Our cook, Marianne... She rocked the camp!

 

 

The girls doing one of many crafts, tie dying their handkerchiefs..

 

Silly girls... Love the staches!

 

All of the tents had to come up with a name, this was ours, with our warrior pictures on it.

 

Song time...

 

Carrie (our camp director) & Chantel (Our camp Mom)

 

The skit.. Hilarious...

 

This is "Steve," Taylor's friend.  ;)

 

Our cute menus.. We had one for everyday as well as a schedule..

 

Service Project.. The girls all made these blocks and wrote their testimonies on the back of them, then they were given to another ward in our Stake and our girls were given ones from another ward.

 

Camp fire songs...

 

 Katie, Courtnee & Kylee getting ready to Snipe hunt...

 

Ready to Snipe hunt!!

 

 

Chantel and her daughter Taylor...

 

Minute to win it games...

 

Me & Court...

 

Canoeing on the lake... Oh I wish these 3 would have "FELL" in.. Heee heeee, I may have even bribed someone to "accidentally" make them tip... They look way too pretty right? They didn't even get a splash.. Guess their threats trumped my bribe.. :)

 

Sweet little Taylor... Love her face..

 

Karen Hyatt, our Stake YW President, she is a hoot. Love her..

 

Carrie and Jill (YW secretary)

 

 

Lacey & Kylee..

 

 

Marissa AKA Raccoon wrangler.. We did have a few incidents with Raccoons at our camp, this girl was definitely not about to let them come back.. Love her..

 

 

 

Carrie, Marianne & Stacie (camp leader)

 

 

Cleaning up to come home... :)

 What a great experience I was able to be blessed with. Not only with the YW of my ward but with my own daughter. Til next year, when I may or may not be asked to go. :)