"How I Spent My Summer Vacation" Edition 1: U-Pick Strawberry Stand

We had a great summer vacation! We did too much and I did not have enough time to write about some of our activities. Now I am feeling a little guilty, this blog is supposed to be my journal. I want to be able to show my kids proof that we did have these fun times!

Strawberry Smoothies, Strawberry Short-cake, Strawberry Jam, Strawberry Pancakes, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Homemade Strawberry Ice-cream or how about just a plain old strawberry? Our house was filled with strawberries. When you have 8 very eager hands willing to pick the juiciest, biggest ones, it's very easy to get carried away with how much you pick. At the beginning of the summer we went with the Weenig family to the U-Pick Strawberry Stand in Carlsbad and picked to our hearts content. I think the kids enjoyed throwing the strawberries that were on the ground more. They got in a few strawberry Wars and ended up with splattered shirts. It was also very tempting not to taste-test these yummy fruits, we may have snuck in a few bites. I think the kids did a great job searching for the perfect strawberry. It did not take long to fill up our bucket. We are looking forward to eating Strawberries for a very long time!

"San Juan River Vacation"

For this year’s summer family vacation we kayaked the San Juan River. It was an adventure and a trip like we've never taken before! We drove 12 hrs. to Mexican Hat, Utah (The name "Mexican Hat" comes from a sombrero-shaped, rock that looks like the hat is overturned). The scenery all around us was breathtakingly beautiful. We were surrounded by red rock and gorgeous, impressive rock formations. We camped at the Gooseneck State Park. From our campsite you could look down into a 1,000-foot-deep canyon and see the San Juan River. I was so scared to let the kids get too close to the edge. It was so much fun for the kids to set up their own tents and haul around their own gear. Space was limited due to us having to fit everything we needed into our small dry-bags and onto the kayaks. We left all comforts and the need to stay clean at home (no showers for 3 days). The next morning we set out on the river. We packed our kayaks and went over safety precautions and rules. We were then ready for our journey. The kids were fabulous; they helped out so much and pulled their own weight. We were a little worried about Payton, either she’d love it or hate it. Good thing it was LOVE! We couldn't keep that baby in the boat; she wanted to do everything the older kids did. All the kids paddled like pros and really never complained. We paddled about 50 miles for the whole trip, but it was not all work. We enjoyed playing “King of the Raft”; everyone loved throwing each other in the water. It was best if you surprised someone and did it when they least expected it. We also loved just floating in the water and letting the current take you down the river. The favorite activity of choice was “Cliff Jumping”! Everyone got in on the act, youngest to oldest. There were a few “Mud Fights”. Let’s just say, we were muddy the whole trip and never got clean until our showers at home. We only had one scary incident when our Kayak got stuck on a rock at Government Rapids. There were a few tears and a prayer but we ended up safe and sound. We just had very wet gear, sleeping bags and tents. We asked the kids if they’d go down Government Rapids again and they said, “Ask me again tomorrow!” We had such a great time with the kids, the Weenig and Berry Families. This was a trip of a lifetime. We really stretched ourselves and learned a lot from this vacation. The only thing is, I think we need a vacation from our vacation! I was not looking forward to washing all those muddy clothes.

The Mexican Hat Monument
Our view looking down from our campsite

at Gooseneck State Park

The "Before" Picture of the Hazen Family

(notice how clean we are)

The River Rats

Everyone loading and pumping up the Kayaks
Very Muddy girls
Maddie, not looking too happy
with all that mud in her ear

Floating down the river
Jumping off the cliff as a family
Mendenhall Mining Cabin built in 1893
Rachel & Rob trying to sneak in some "alone time"
Enjoying the Camping and Nightlife off the river
Payton even had her own tiny oar to help paddle
Check out this muddy River!
Our Fully Loaded Kayak

Cliff Jumping

Twin Hats with Allison & Twin Shoes with Matt

Payton even managed to sneak in some
"Shut-Eye" during the trip

The Hazen Kayak Team
R.J. the river stud, he can even make

a bulky life jacket look good!

Playing "King of the Raft"

These poor kids usually look much better than this!

The "After" picture of the Hazen family
(we need showers!)

We couldn't wait to wash our hair,
so we quickly washed it in the bathroom sink!

We made so many great memories, had a lot of laughs and learned so much on this trip! We are so thankful to Glen Berry for being our knowledgeable "River Guide" and for making this adventure happen. We could have not done it without him.

"B.O.O.T. Camp"

Our theme for this years Girl's Camp was "B.O.O.T. (Building Our Own Testimony) Camp". And what better place to have a boot camp then Camp Pendleton (Camp Pendleton is one of the Department of Defense's busiest bases for many active and reserve Marine, Army and Navy units). No civilians are allowed to stay at these gorgeous, right on the beach, sleeping on the sand, ten step away from the water camp grounds. But, one of our Young Women leader's husband is Military Doctor and we were able to have him "Sponsor" us so we could enjoy the facilities! And that we did! We had a group of 21 Young Women, Leaders, Priesthood Brethren (Rob) and even some very willing mothers (Allison & Karyn). We had so much fun basking in the sun and surf, I felt a little guilty. Was this really Girl's Camp or a vacation? I was so glad to be there to witness these sweet young women grow and bond with one another and to also see them recognize Heavenly Father's helping hand to make this camp so successful. By the end of the week I truly felt this "B.O.O.T. Camp" accomplished what we prayed it would achieve, Testimonies were built, strengthened and fortified!

BEWARE, Lots of Pictures ahead!!!

The Young Women & Leaders

Our Camp

Playing Survival & Trust Games

Kayaking in the Ocean

Camp always offers the best tasting food and desserts

Andy giving the us Surf Lessons

The Leaders planning a "Sneak Attack" on the girls!

(We kidnapped them and took them to Breakfast)

Sailing at the Camp Pendleton marina

Spending "Free Time" reading Breaking Dawn!