For the past month or more, Colton has been talking about wanting to take a trip, going out of the country.  The other day, he talked to Steph about it, and asked if she wanted to go too.  She does, and although Colton isn't sure he will have the funds to go in the spring, I am sure, Steph will go by the time she is 18.  She can hardly wait.  Ireland is her first stop, and then maybe Italy.

When did they grow up?  It is great to see.  Steph says she looks forward to going to a meeting when she gets there.

The other day, Lauren said she wanted us to have another get together.  Leon has said many times that we should do a party at least once a year.  Last year (2009) we did the scavenger hunt, that was loved by many.  Twice we had karaoke (spell?)
one was great, the other not so great (lack of singers).  We did a scripture dinner one year, but it was a small group.  We wanted to do another one, but now with all the little kids in the cong, it would be hard to do, as it isn't that fun for little kids.  I don't remember what other parties we have had, many years ago, we had a couple of dances. 

So this year, we are thinking old games, like sardines, and then alliterating a couple games, like, Musical Checkers...
we set up at least 20 check boards on tables, then, we play music, just for the music part, then every 5 or 7 seconds we ring a bell, and everyone moves to the right, and plays on the next board.  ... i figured, any board  that only has "one on one" left, we will clear the board.  anyway, the last "man" standing, wins.  I don't know how long this will take, but one thing, everyone of any age and ability can play.   oh, and this game, I completely made up a few days ago.  I am over medicated for sure.

I've been watching M A S H, lately, and listening to some of the announcements, are so funny, and I thought, me & Leon could make announcements.... like, "attention, the following is a list of those who signed up for the 10 mile physical fitness hike...... (silence) lol.

Another game, instead of 3 legged race, we would do a 4 legged race.  Yeah, the person in the middle would have a really hard time, unless people were smart enough to put a little kid in the center, so they could pretty much carry them.  Leon said to make it extra tough, the middle person should be tied facing backwards.  we are mentally sick!  lol

Another game, is the relay race, where you put water in a spoon, carry it about 20 feet, and pour it in a glass, then run back and hand the spoon to the next person in line.  I figured Grandpa, and me and David, those of us who really can't do that game could monitor the glasses to see which team fills theirs first.

And sardines, how fun that would be with so many.  Depending on how many would play, we might have 2 teams.  Plus If you don't know what sardines is, it is like "hide & go seek", but instead of everyone hiding and one person finds them, sardines is, one person hides and everyone finds them.  When a player finds the one hiding, they then hide with that person, until all have found the "group".  The last one to find the group, is the next person who hides. It is pretty fun.  One time I remember we played in the winter, and I hid under a big spruce tree.  It took really long time for the team to find me, I started making noise, because i was so froze, I needed to be found.  We fit a lot of people under that tree.   Another time, i hid in an old phone booth that was on our property.  we had a bunch of kids in that phone booth, it was so funny.  Most people don't know this game, but most people can play it.   The only thing, we would tell people not to leave the trails on the property.  There are plenty of places to hide, but a big group of 30?  it will be so funny to see if they can stay quiet.  lol.

So we will have the party Aug 29th.  After the meeting, we will have everyone over for lunch, and then we will start the games,  then it won't be a late night, everyone can go home around 5 pm.  we will have a few stay longer, but that is fine.

So Lauren is helping me & Leon with this.  Then this fall, she is planning to have a slumber party.  I'm sure she will have fun with that too.