Aspen Grove Reunion

On Saturday I had the lovely opportunity to go cross-country skiing and snow shoeing up at Aspen Grove. It was great to reunite with many of my co-workers and friends from the Summer, especially in such a beautiful location. It was my first time for both activities and I would definitely have to say that cross-country skiing is more fun in my opinion. It was kind of scary going down some of the hills because I've only gone skiing once when I was ten years old...it's been awhile. It was way fun though!

Check out those views!

Alissa and Aubree making some snow angels while we were snow shoeing.

It was a great time to catch up with friends and try out new things. I would definitely do it all again.

My Summer...

It's crazy to think that Summer is over now! Looking back, it's almost like it never happened but then I'll be walking on campus and randomly see someone from Aspen Grove and it's the best because it's a reminder that it really did happen. I really loved working there and am glad that I did it, but I am also excited to have moved on back to school and the normal routine of life. Here are some pictures from the Summer:

My lovely fellow arts and crafters and I: (Me, Amy, Kerri and Kate) 

Every Saturday we as the staff performed an Opening Show for the guests at camp. This is the skit that I was in. It was called Yoga Lesson and it was pretty funny. We sat on people so that we looked really flexible.

We only had about 24 hours (if that) off each week so we would try to pack in the fun/relaxation. One weekend we went out to dinner and a carnival after. It was summer magical.

I turned 20! And it ended up being one of my best birthdays ever. I seriously felt the love. Thanks to all who made me feel so special!

Probably one of the coolest things about my job was that I got to teach to throw pottery at least twice a day. Although it was pretty stressful at times, it was a very cool experience and I was able to improve quite a bit. I guess the saying practice makes perfect is true. Not only was it cool to throw pottery, but it was way awesome to do it on a bridge over the river.

These are the wheels we used. There was room for 6 students in the class and I would sit at that one in the middle and teach.

This is the view from the bridge. Pretty awesome if I do say so myself. It's the perfect place for some creative inspiration.

Kate, Amy and I with some of our different creations:

Opening the kiln was always exciting because you never knew what you were going to find. For example, I opened it to discover that a fish had fallen on top of the ice cream cone and they were welded together so it made a fish ice cream cone! We thought it was pretty hilarious, but the customers wanted a refund so we got to keep it. I'd say it ended up being a win win situation :)

Another favorite thing from this Summer was getting to live in such a beautiful setting. I loved waking up in the morning and feeling the crisp air and seeing the golden light from the sun as I walked out of my cabin. There were also nice hikes to go on. Here are some views from Stuart Falls, which is a good run.

The moon and stars were incredible up in the mountains. I took advantage of the star gazing and saw multiple shooting stars that were incredible. Definitely one of the things I'll miss the most.

I went to the play Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with the Wheatleys and it was awesome! I grew up watching that movie so I loved hearing all of the songs and seeing the dancing. It was up at the Sundance outdoor theater which made it even cooler.

Driving through the Alpine Loop is also incredible. I would highly recommend it. There are some great views.

I went to Alissa's family's ranch with her and rode horses and it was also magical. 

Me and my new love Ranger.

This is where we had church every Sunday for the Summer. I'll miss that as well. Having church outside in such a pretty setting is an awesome experience. 

I got to hang out with family, which is always the best.

And I made some wonderful friendships. That's probably the best thing about the Summer. Now I have 80 more friends and we all share a special Aspen Grove bond.

Thanks for a great time AG! (That's my cabin in the background)

Now I'm back at school and ready to start the next chapter of my life. It's been great to be reunited with old friends.

So long sweet Summer.

I turned 20!

I turned 20 in the mountains this year. It ended up actually being one of the best birthdays I've ever had due to my amazing friends. I woke up in my cabin to this lovely surprise that Alissa had set up for me. She is the best.

I opened up my package from my family and among the gifts were my favorite donuts from Wegmans a.k.a. the best donuts ever. I ate one for my birthday breakfast. On the way to breakfast we walked past the arts and crafts building and there was this lovely sign outside. My awesome co-workers had decorated the building for me so that whenever a guest walked in they would see my name tag and wish me a happy birthday. I don't think that I've ever had that many birthday wishes in my life. It was awesome.

When I opened the safe to count in the money for the day I found these lovely surprises as well. BYU mint brownies and candy. It was a wonderful surprise.

Here are Amy and Kate, my fellow arts and crafters who made my birthday so great. 

Everyone was so nice and thoughtful. It was a great day. I definitely felt the love. That night I finished off the day right by going to a dance party. Thanks to all who made it such a fantastic birthday!

Life Lately...

Life here at Aspen Grove is the best! I'm loving my job and the people I'm working with. It is absolutely gorgeous here. I never get sick of looking up at the mountains and realizing that this is my life right now.

It did snow one day and it was way cold, especially since I was definitely not prepared for that, but it did look really pretty.

The aspen groves up the alpine loop are soooo pretty. Some friends and I drove up the alpine loop one evening and it is one of my favorite things now. The trees and mountains are out of this world.

On one of my recent days off, Alissa and I ventured off to her home and we stopped by the new City Creek Mall which was quite impressive. 

We stopped by the temple because it is right next to the mall. It was looking gorgeous as always. 

Then on Saturday I hung out with Greg, Liss and Jessie. We went to a parade in Springville in the morning and then hit up The Model A Cafe where I got the biggest pancake I have ever seen in my life. It is called a Flat tire. I could only eat half of it, but Greg proudly finished his whole pancake. It was so fun to hang out with my siblings. They are the best.

Last night we had a staff bonfire, which was great. Nothing says Summer nights like a campfire and good friends.

Hope your Summer is going great!

New Home for the Summer

This Summer I am working at Aspen Grove Camp. It has been great so far. Mostly I'm just amazed by the beauty. It is such a gorgeous place. I'm happy to call it my new home despite my "rustic" living conditions that I will have to get used to living in this Summer ;). 

Thus far I have seen a moose and my roommate saw a cougar on her morning run. I've eaten good food. Played lots of games and done team building activities. Learned how to properly wash my hands, make a bed and clean rooms. Performed skits and songs. Learned a lot of people's names and forgotten a lot as well.

I'm one of the Arts and Crafts Counselors. This is where I will be spending most of my time. I've been doing training all this week and I have a few more hours tomorrow but then the campers start coming tomorrow night. Should be exciting!