Ward campout

Whilst Brian was on his elk hunt, I conned my parents into attending their ward camp out simply so that, I also, could go. I'm so glad they were able to make it as it was a blast! Buck's lake is a significant distance to go just for an overnighter, but I got some grading done on the way, and it was enjoyable to talk. All of Xiana's (well, let's get real, and my) friends were there. We LOVE our new ward, but because we still live so close, it's awfully tempting to continue to attend our old ward events/parties/playgroups. I try to mix it up. Brian and I were on our honeymoon during our own ward camp out, otherwise we would have gone! Xiana and Kelsey played at the water's edge long enough to make me just a wee bit nervous.
Images of soaking wet toddlers huddled by the campfire danced in my head.
But they certainly enjoyed themselves.
The Tolmans really went above and beyond the call of duty as activity directors. They made this camp out spectacular! Early in the evening when people were still arriving and we were eating dinner, they kept saying, "there might be some pixies with candy later. You'll have to go on a pixie hunt." Xiana was, not surprisingly, beside herself with excitement. She kept saying, "the pixies are gonna give us CANDY." Because I didn't know what they were talking about, I was more than a little suspicious of anticipations that were, not reality, but imaginative games. I guess we were all surprised when we did, indeed, find a pixie village with CANDY!
This picture doesn't do this village justice. The little houses have jewels and actually light up so that, from a distance, you can see the windows twinkling. Additionally, the Tolmans left a tinsel trail stating that it was pixie hair. The kids were beyond thrilled! Xiana filled an entire bag with candy which made me a little apprehensive; however, I think she only ate about 3 pieces as every time I saw her she was giving someone else candy. She is a sweet sharer.... when it comes to some things.
Later, by the campfire some of the older girls performed primary songs for the group. Xiana knew all of the songs and took her role in the performance quite seriously. She kept running up there saying, "oh, I have to sing the songs!" She isn't a ham at all :)
Beyond the gigantic marshmellows that friends brought, I also discovered coconut marshmellows. When toasted, they make the BEST s'mores I have ever in my life encountered!
The next morning when the bell rang for breakfast, Xiana sat up in bed and yelled, "there's more candy! We have to go get more candy!" I explained to her that it was actually the ring for breakfast, but that didn't prevent her from being disappointed that the village did not have a new set of candy. She deduced that the pixies must have eaten it all while she slept.
After breakfast the Muellers created a new pixie village with more candy. They kids ran furiously to find it following the tinsel.... Xiana might be just a bit smaller than the rest :)
These little houses were also darling.
Then we went down to the lake. I didn't pack swimsuits because I anticipated frigid temps. It turns out the weather wasn't too bad, but....
Who needs a swimsuit?!
Grandpa loved having his girl at the beach.
And we took her out on the canoe. She didn't love it as much as I thought she would. Mainly because it was precarious so she couldn't bounce around, the ground was wet, and her life jacket was massive successfully choking her the entire trip.
Still, I love a canoe ride and dad said that he had always wanted to do that so he was happy for the opportunity.
On our way home, we stopped at the polka dot which is a family tradition. It was a wonderful weekend!