Girls Camp and Phoenix

I'm home. It's good to be back after being gone for a week to Girls Camp with our church, and then on to a visit with family in Phoenix. All of it was wonderful, but it's always nice to come back to your own bed. After roughing it at camp, I'm more appreciative of flushing toilets and the luxury of taking a shower. Smelling like a camp fire 24/7 isn't my perfume of choice!

This year we took our girls to Jacobs Lake, near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. At an elevation of 8,000 feet, the weather was perfect for the end of June. Our little group was only responsible for 13 girls, but we joined a group of 150.

I can't say enough nice things about our girls. We had an age range of 12-18, and they were all so amazing. They were cheerful, helpful around camp, and were so nice to each other. Their mother's should be so proud. Our group color this year was orange, and here are a few of them in our orange tee shirts

Taking a group of girls away from their families can cause a few anxieties. One of the leaders had a refreshing approach to helping the girls adjust to the camp surrounding. They provided "Mother Nature", a delightful woman who went around with a basket of treats, and soothing words. If any girl started to suffer from being homesick, she was hugged by Mother Nature and all was soon well. Every day MN came out with a new creative outfit. This day I was ready to eat the yummy food right off her hat.

We played games and had a great time learning camp skills

The flag did make it, tied between two trees.

My family picked me up from Camp and we then headed to Phoenix to visit two of our children. Our main reason for the trip was to help my grandson celebrate his 3rd Birthday. How wonderful to see him growing up and to be part of his life. He was very excited to have us there for his party. Several nights before he laid his party hats and balloons on the table, and announced to my daughter "Don't touch these. They are very important!"

Our other grandson is 5 months old. When we visit I just want to kiss their faces off!

My son-in law owns the best "Fresh Mex" restaurant. If you are ever in the Phoenix area, make sure to stop by "Costa Vida". It's located in Mesa, Arizona at 1744 Val Vista Dr, right off of I60.

My son-in-law Daniel Dayton.

Costa Vida has such good food. We don't have a Costa here in St. George, so everytime we visit Phoenix we go back again and again. We just can't seem to get enough. One of my favorite dishes is their wonderful salads. Everything is made fresh. Nothing comes out of a can or freezer. They even roast their own chili peppers to add to the salsa.

Temperatures right now in the Phoenix area are way over 100 degrees. We tried to think of an activity our grandson's would enjoy and get us out of the heat. My husband looked ideas up on line and suggeted we go to the Arizona Science Center in down town Phoenix. We didn't know if it would be any good or not. We were so impressed with this museum! A great place for the whole family, from young children to grandparents. One floor of exhibits was dedicated to "Grossology", focusing on the slimy, oozy and stinky bodily functions. Wow. If that doesn't perk your interest, I don't know what else would! Might I add: "Gross" is an understatement!

What 3 year old kid wouldn't love to climb up a gigantic stomach, slide down through the intestines and come out.... well if you don't know what is at the end of your intestines, I'm not going to be the one to tell you. It was hard to "move, push,strain" (pun intended) my grandson to the next exhibit. By the time we were done, we were really pooped.

I know a little bit about flies. They've been in my house from time to time. Never in my life did I know what little "Vomit Slurpers" they are. I will never look a fly in the eyes the same again.

Playing in the sand with grandpa

No trip to the Arizona Science Center is complete with out playing "Urine The Game". Yes, you read that right. If ever you have sat up nights wondering how your bladder really works, this is the place for you.

This is just a small sampling of the unique exhibits the Science Center offered. Go on line to find out more.