Camp Zarahemla

Camping in April??? Okay!

So we took a family camping trip this weekend to a place called Camp Zarahemla just outside of Naches, Washington, which is close to Yakima.  It's a church-owned Girls' Camp that rents out their cabins throughout the year.  It's over-looked by a Senior Missionary couple, currently Elder and Sister Short.

It was a great deal for only $30-$35 per night.  You get electricity, running water (in some of the cabins), a lightly furnished kitchen (we didn't know this so we brought all of our "camping" stuff), fridge, microwave, stove-oven, electric fire place, and beds to sleep on.

We met up with some friends from Oregon who we haven't seen for four years; Steve & Christy Lewis.  They brought their 14-yr. old son, Jamison, too.  It was so fun to see them again after such a long time.  Steve and Jim have been great at keeping in touch over the years.  We went camping with the Lewises a couple of times when we lived in Oregon and have always had a great time, so when Jim heard of Camp Zarahemla, he pitched the idea to Steve.  It was a quick trip of Friday evening to Sunday morning, but we all had fun.  Plus, we were the only people there besides the Shorts.  So we had the run of the place.  Boy, did the kids LOVE that!!

By the way, for those wondering about where the girls who attend Girls' camp sleep....it's not in the cabins.  They sleep on wooden platforms or in tents on the ground.  The leaders get the cabins.  Now wouldn't you like to be a Girls' Camp leader going to this camp?  Me, too!  Because there's a very clean shower house, too.  Warm showers when you're camping?   Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Our cabin....Cabin #1

Our cabin was great.  It sleeps up to 6 people: 1 queen bed, a bunk bed, and a futon couch that sleeps two. Needless to say, this was our group meeting place.  Nice and roomy.

The name of our cabin

The Lewis's cabin

 The Lewis's cabin had two twin beds down stairs with a small fridge and microwave, and then a loft.  Still a nice size for a small family or group.  Both cabins had electric stoves for heat so we all slept nice and warm.

Go, Lisa!

 Of course, Lisa, had to be the first to try out the sledding hill.  It was one of the last areas of the camp with snow.  It rained all day Friday and both nights, so by the time we left Sunday morning, the snow had melted a couple of inches.

That's one way to stop!

It was a little chilly there....in the low 40s.

Canoe time.  Just don't fall in, the water is FREEZING!

The sun came out on Saturday!  It felt so nice.

Clear Lake...and it is true to its name. You could see through the water.

 Because this is a Girls' camp, there's a fun obstacle course to "play" on.  The kids loved that...and so did some of us adults.

Balancing. Gotta love T's hat in this one.

This had to be the boys' favorite part of the camp....besides the canoe and tackling Jamison any chance they got.  Looks like Steve liked it, too. 

Will the alligators get Steve?

Saturday, the 16th, was Lisa's 10th birthday.  We had a small "party" and watched her open presents.  Then we ate brownie pudding (her request) for dessert.  We even invited Elder and Sister Short to join us.  We played Bingo, and the winners received prizes.  "Totally fun birthday," said Lisa.  We're so glad Lisa is in our family!!!! 

Oh what can my present be?

The Lewises were so nice to give Lisa a gift (pictured above).  She received 6-$1 gold coins in Easter Eggs and a two-colored pen.  She LOVED the gift, not just because it was money, but also because it came with bragging rights over Regan, who was totally jealous of the dollar coins.

Woohoo!  Elbow and Knee pads to wear when I Ripstick!

 Jim and I decided to go to Sacrament in Naches this morning after "checking out" and before heading home.  We got there just as they were singing the opening hymn.  As we sat down and looked across the isle, we saw a family that used to be in our ward, Steve and Dee Brignone.  They moved a couple of years ago after graduating from Law School.  How nice to see some familiar faces. 

Bath time in the sink to get ready for church. SMILE!

Brrrr!!!  Cold hands, Mommy!