Heber Valley Camp

Karen, my sister-in-law, has been thinking about the Newbreuion next year and the Holderness reunion that Helen has to do the following year.  In thinking about these 2 reunions she thought about the Heber Valley Young Women's Camp.  She had gone there a few years ago with the young women in her ward.  She found out it was open to families a few weeks out of the year.  We immediately thought it would be a great place to hold a reunion.  She did a little more looking into it and discovered they had some opening the beginning of September.  She called all of us Newbry's who live in the area and we all decided to check it out for a short weekend trip.  It was tons and tons of fun.

Being that we were up in the hills above Heber City, it was chilly, which was a nice change from the hot summer we had had.  The other thing that made it cold was the storm that was headed our way.  We arrived Friday afternoon and chose our cabins.  We cooked dinner, made our beds, and then drove around the camp to see what was there.  Being that it was the end of the season, the lake was drained, but we were able to drive to it and get the idea of what it is.  We headed back to camp, made hot chocolate, went for a little nighttime walk and then everyone headed to bed.

Kenny stayed up late Friday night by himself and was visited by a friend.

That night it rained.  It rained and rained and rained.  There was thunder and lightening and 4 oldest kids woke up.  Kenny and I thought it was cool, they were terrified.  It continued like that for about an hour and then settled down enough that we were all able to go back to sleep.  The next morning was cold and rainy and absolutely perfect.  We were scheduled to do the zip line and the big swing that morning.  Everyone got ready as quickly as possible and headed to the first area.  Shortly after arriving at the zip line, the thunder and lightening began and they had to close the course down.  The kids, and grownups for that matter, were so disappointed.  Everyone had been looking forward to the zip line, but we were happy to be safe back in our cabins.

Using teamwork to get across the swinging circles without touching the ground.

The sky's started clearing about the time we were scheduled to do the big swing.  We headed over there and were immediately put on the ropes course doing activities as a family.  The kids all had fun working together and doing the fun games that were provided us while we waited our turn for the big swing.  When we signed up, we only signed the little kids up for the big swing.  The bigger kids all wanted to do the zip line and so they were not signed up to do the swing.  That caused a lot of upset kids as we walked over to the swing.  The big kids were so disappointed that they didn't get to do anything, but we still let the little kids swing, with the exception of Gracie.  She nicely gave up her turn on the swing to Ben who was really having a hard time.  This was great and she was happy to let him take her spot until the end when she realized what she had given up.  She was heartbroken.  Luckily the missionaries running the swing were nice enough to let the sad little 4 year old go because she had been so nice to her brother.  She was sooo happy and excited.  I'm so grateful to those nice missionaries.

Getting ready to go on the swing.

Getting lifted up for another swing.

Our family stayed behind at the swing to let Gracie have her turn and when we were headed out we noticed everyone's cars at the zip line course.  Apparently the missionaries in charge of that had nicely volunteered to use their lunch break to let us try the zip line.  It was so nice of them and the kids were so incredibly happy.  The weather was cold and a little rainy, but there was no lightening so we were able to have our turn. All the kids 8 and above were able to take a turn as well as all the adults who wanted to (Grandma, Uncle Jeremy, and Uncle Cory were the only ones who did have a turn.)  It was very high in the air and I was so proud of the kids for climbing the tall pull and then walking out on the tight rope.  Savannah really wanted to have a turn, but as she started up the pole she got too scared.  She came down and was very disappointed with herself.  After a few more people went she decided to have another shot at it.  It took a lot of time and a lot of cheering from the family, but she made it all the way through.  We were all very proud of her. 

Ben climbing the pole up to the tightrope.

Ben at the top of the pole, walking across the tightrope.  This shows how high up they were.

Riding the zip line down.

Sarah walking across the tightrope.

Sarah sitting at the top trying to get the nerve to go on the zip line.

Once she went for it, she loved it.

We were all very proud of Grandpa for giving it a go.

My turn on the zip line.  It was a lot of fun.

Kenny's climbing skills came in handy on the tightrope, not to mention the beautiful blue sky that came out for him.

Kenny on the zip line.

 After the zip line we all headed back to the cabins.  The clouds started rolling in so we all hurried to pack up our cabins.  We headed out just as the next drops of rain started to fall from the sky.  It was a very short trip, but very worth it.  I'm really hoping we're able to go there for the next few reunions.