They're back!!

(my Jon-boy, all tuckered out)

Jonathan and Geoff came home today!!

I missed my boys!!!

About 11a my sweet Jonathan and cute hubby, Geoff got home from Scout Encampment. They were tired and SMELLY!

My Jonathan is not a super affectionate-type kid, but today when he walked in and yelled "my boy is home!" - he came right over to me and gave me a BIG hug!

I LOVED THAT!!!

He quickly told me he wanted a shower and I obliged just as quick. :)

Geoff came in and gave me a kiss then proceeded to RUN past me to the bathroom. Thinking he wanted a shower just as bad, I was quickly told different. Apparently there was plenty of practical jokers up at camp and he'd been "holding it" until he got

home. . . afraid of being stuck, tipped or otherwise tortured if caught in the Port-a-John. LOL!! Thank goodness it's only ONE item of business for men that they would have to use the facilities! LOL!!!

After Geoff had "relieved" himself and Jonathan had showered, they came in to tell us all about the fun of the week. All while Jonathan unpacked and the other kids snacked on his extra treats.

Jonathan's highlights of the week:

Best Breakfast - Garrett Smith's Famous Breakfast Burritos

Best Dinner - Garrett Smith's BBQ Ribs and Celia Halstead's Famous Rolls

Best Dessert - Cobbler

Best Activity - everything

Best Day - Friday (he liked his Solo Experience)

Best Experience - when he saw his Dad on Thursday and watching all the men give Bro. Wheeler a blessing (powerful is how described it)

Sounds like he had a great time and he says he's ready to go again next year!!

Val Vista Ward, Mountain View Stake

has the BEST Young Men's Encampment!!

And tomorrow he gets to pass the sacrament for the FIRST TIME!!

What an awesome week for my awesome boy!!!

I love you, Jon-boy!

This is what memories are made of!

Monday morning came VERY early! My alarm went off at 5:15am and I woke up Jonathan. I love how boys are so fast. He showered and dressed and we left the house at 5:35 to hit McDonald's for breakfast. The last thing Geoff said to him when he said goodbye the night before was - -

THIS IS WHAT MEMORIES ARE MADE OF. Don't sit idly by - get out there and enjoy it!

What a great man I married and what great advice! Jonathan is a carbon copy of his Dad and I think he understood. When we arrived at the church parking lot about 5 minutes early, Jonathan was apprehensive to get out right at first but as more boys showed up, he began to relax and before I knew it, he was 'gone'. I sat with some other Mom's while they loaded up, had prayer and headed out. I picked up Geoff from work and then headed home to hit my pillow again but that was short-lived. By the time I got home it was almost 8am and the others were ready to hit the party for Memorial Day at my sisters. I gave them a small "list" of things to get done before we could go and it was about 11:30 when we pulled out of the garage and headed on our way, leaving Geoff to sleep on the couch from his nightshift.

Green chili burros, 3 kinds of homemade salsa, chips, beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream and other yummy toppings were there waiting for us. We filled our tummies and our hearts and minds with loads of fun, visiting with family and swimming. All of us got a little sun, considering it was only "warm" for Arizona on this holiday. I always enjoy visiting with all of my family and although we were missing Mindy and her family (in Colorado), Liz (in Oregon), my Jonathan (at scout camp) and my Geoff (asleep), we still had 19 grandkids, Grandpa and Grandma, 7 adults and LOTS of noise and fun! Never a dull moment at the Whiting Family Parties! We arrived home just in time for Geoff to eat some food we brought home and then he headed out the door back to work. All of us crashed in the family room on couches and floor for about an hour or so until we were awaken by the doorbell. Kylee had girls waiting for her to go "lead" them as they heart attacked a new Beehive on the eve of her 12th birthday.

Tuesday started with Kylee, myself and the YW president going to the above mentioned new Beehive's home to welcome her in to Young Women's and present her with her new Personal Progress Book, journal, theme card and For Strength of Youth pamphlet. Kylee is the Beehive President and I'm the Personal Progress leader. It's fun to go together and welcome the new girls and talk about the joy and fun of Personal Progress. Unfortunately while we were there, we learned that at scout camp yesterday (their first day), one of the leaders (Rick Wheeler - who was one of Jonathan's previous scout leaders) was in an accident. He was the first to ride the zip line and he hit a tree. They worried about spinal injuries and fortunately there were none but he was air evac'd to St Joe's (they were up by Strawberry). He had some pretty serious facial damage. They had to do some facial reconstruction and wire his jaw shut since it was broken. This just about broke my heart in two when I heard this! Rick is a gentle giant and an amazing man who has had an amazing influence on both my boys! We pray he will recover quickly and that his family will be comforted. Then my heart went to my son, who was there when this happened. I hope Jonathan learned as he watched the priesthood put into action and felt the spirit as Bro. Wheeler remained calm through it all. I pray that his heart is calmed and he is ok. My Jon-boy has such a tender heart and I hope he remains strong and still enjoys himself without apprehension and fear. I hope he remembers the WISE words his Dad gave him and is getting out there to MAKE SOME MEMORIES!

Stay TOONed!

All-Star Baseball season is starting!