Whiskeytown

In this world, there are some views that take your breath away and others that could be identified or recognized by a quick glimpse. For me and my family, these pictures will stir the soul and could be identified without a second thought. For those who didn't make it this year, these pictures will almost make them feel homesick and bring on so many memories and feelings. It is so hard to explain what this place means to us and how it is a part of who we are.

This is Whiskeytown LakeAnd this is the little cove where we camp.This is our main campsite. This is our tradition.

There is something about this place that brings us back year after year, no matter how far away we are, and makes us stay even when it rains. JessicaMe and Paige

It's family.Grandma and WesJason and Paige and Grandpa and PhoebeGrandpa and AshlynAshlynWes with Ashlyn asleep in the hammockMy parentsMindy and NormanBilly and JenDave and LisaJeff, Jason and MelissaDebbie, Rick, Michelle and Steve

There are some things you can almost always count on, besides rain at Whiskeytown on Memorial Day weekend. One of those things is that there is almost always a game being played.

And if grandma is around, she will be playing.The kids will spend hours building a fortand playing on the hammock

Kate, Ashlyn and Brynne Phoebe and Paige

the term "kids" is used looselyGarrett being launched off the hammock by Wes and Steve with Sterling, Billy and Sequoia watching.Yep, that's Billy taking a turn!This year was colder than it had ever been on Memorial Day Weekend. Paige was not a fan of the cold weather, so we were grateful to have our old RV there to warm her up when we needed to. We had a fire going most days and every nightBut the cold weather didn't stop the kids from wanting to go to the beach to play in the sand. We bundled up and had the place all to ourselves The big boys came along too, looking for a wide open space to play football. It wasn't long before the football sat in the sand, while they played with the buckets and shovels!And it just wouldn't be Whiskeytown without a little hike near Brandy Creekto where we like to call "the mossy place".This is one of my very favorite placesI'm not sure why, but the banks of Brandy Creek have always made me feel at home, given me peace and have been a place where I find strength and comfort. Winnie the Pooh had his thinking spot, and this is mine.I love these next two pictures taken on the way back from our little hike.Ashlyn is such a daddy's girlWhether you are out on the canoe skipping rocks on the lake,
relaxing with a good book,or simply enjoying the junk food that comes along with camping Whiskeytown is sure to leave you with a smile on your face

and looking forward to the next time.

Lauren's Dance Recital

Last weekend, Lauren had a dance recital. Lauren LOVES to dance (almost as much as she loves to have her picture taken!)!!Maryn and LaurenThey had been learning the dance for a few months. Almost every night after family prayer, Lauren would ask if she could show us what she had learned so far. After the hundredth time watching her go through the motions, Jason gave her a few tips on performance. He talked to her about making her moves sharp and how her facial expressions were just as important as her dance moves. (I actually think this information came when she was practicing her dance for cheer try outs.) She totally took it to heart and was SO SO much fun to watch!!

She did amazing! She has such a cute personality! I'm excited to watch her in cheer leading next year.

All of the different classes were performing, so we got to watch my cute little niece, Brynne, dance too.

She's a tiny little thing, with GREAT BIG personality!! So cute!

I love to watch all the dances and see their cute little outfits! Ashlyn is excited to start next year.