What are you doing here!?

Over the years I have tried to surprise my family by showing up in Ohio when they least expect it. I've been unsuccessful every time. Every time. I guess I always made the mistake of telling someone in my immediate family, thinking that I needed a ride home from the airport, only to have said person blab it to someone else, thinking that they needed to know... Most the time, I'm just too excited and have to tell my mom or dad.

Our family reunion happens every year the first weekend in August. We've been going to Camp Wesley Woods for as long as I can remember, and for longer than most of the kids have been alive. I thought for sure I wasn't going to make it this year, and I sent an email letting everyone know.

But then a series of rather fortunate events took place, and I found myself with a plane ticket in to Columbus and no direct reason to tell my immediate family. The game was set. I was going to surpise my family, and this time, I wasn't going to tell anyone.

I told my cousin Chloe and she arranged a way to pick me up at the airport. We drove -- and by we, I mean, she did. I slept for probably two out of the four hours to Kentucky -- and ended up at Wesley Woods at 4:15 a.m. We almost didn't get lost at all. (Turns out Old Ruckerville road is a LOOP! Who knew?!) Aunt Elouise had been nice enough to have our bunks all set up and ready, and we literally got out of the car and fell in to our beds.

When we woke up in the morning, I casually walked out and everyone was like, "Wait a second, you aren't supposed to be here." But Brad and Mackenzie's faces were priceless, as they recognized me and couldn't believe that I was there.

My parents and Amy came later that afternoon. And it couldn't have been planned better. It was raining and so they were trying to quickly unload the van. All I did was walk up to my mom, who was looking down, and put my finger out and said, "So I have this thing on my finger..."

(A red spot that has been irritated for the past week, and that I had told her about on the phone a few times.)

She looked up and practically yelled, "What are you doing here?"

I think there were tears in her eyes. She really had no idea that I was going to be there and I had even called her while she was driving down and threw her off her guard.

It was so fun to actually get away with surprising everyone -- and I'm so glad that I made it to the reunion!

Graduation, Family Reunion and Kelsie

I just returned from our annual Armstrong Family Reunion in Winchester, Kentucky. This year was awesome because it seemed like almost everyone was there (we missed my Uncle Eric's family and of course, Bradley!) and the weather was practically perfect.

The trip got off to a rocky start, and ended up costing me more than I anticipated. Of course, I could have chosen to wait the extra day and waste a perfectly good work day... but I opted to buy a new plane ticket and get the dodge out of Utah and to Ohio on time. I'm glad I did it, but things are going to be financially tighter than I was expecting due to other unforeseen charges that I didn't know I had. Darn.

Anyway, after dealing with trying to find a flight that would get me to Dayton; a delay in Chicago and then having then board the plane only to turn around and empty it again in order to change a tire and then reboard -- and then leaving my luggage behind --; my mom getting pulled over for speeding at 1:30 a.m., etc. I made it.

Wednesday I spent the day watching Kelsie. And honestly, if she isn't the smartest, cutest baby in the world... well, there is no if. I mean, I'm sure she isn't like a prodigy or anything. But she's dang smart. And way cuter in person (which I didn't think was possible). I had so much fun playing with her and interacting and just watching her. She's funny, too. (YES! FUNNY. I don't care what people say, babies are funny.) Ashley came down from Columbus and I got to show her all the major landmarks of my childhood. She bore it well, and I was so happy that she was willing to come visit me. We went to El Sombrero's -- delicious.

Thursday I went shopping with Amy. She has a really cute figure, and so she can wear some really fun dresses. Kelsie went with us and entertained me in between Amy changing in and out of dresses. Then we went to Friendly's -- delicious.

Friday it was off to Wesley Woods for the reunion. The cabin seemed to be full by the time we got there, and people were taking other people's bunks and messing up what our family has done for years. Which meant, I got kicked to the top bunk. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting. We ate like kings - like we always do and played Banana Grams. It was too cold at night to go swimming, which was different. And I was too lazy to change in and out of my swim suit.

My family is incredible. I don't know if I've mentioned that before, but they totally surprised with me with my very own mock graduation. Of course, we were at camp, so I looked like trash and that was really appreciated. Chloe distracted me by making me play at the playground with the kids and then when we came back up they had the graduation march going and made me sit and watch a video that Camille made. Craig emceed the whole thing and my Uncle David and Dad got up and spoke. I felt embarrassed and ugly and foolish and sorry for everyone that had to sit and watch the whole thing. And I felt completely overwhelmed with love and support. When I got up to accept my "diploma" I was, of course, crying. My family is just really awesome and supportive and proud each other's accomplishments and I like it.

When we got back from the reunion I tried to renew my license, but I shouldn't have been surprised that the system was down state-wide and I couldn't do it. So I went to King's Island instead and rode many rides, including the Flight of Fear, which is my favorite. We saw gross people, fat people and lots of white trash people. Seriously, we were the most attractive people there. There was absolutely no eye candy. Which means, even if I want to move back to Ohio, I can't. Because if there aren't attractive non-members, then there certainly aren't going to be attractive members of the church. Sad. Of course, King's Island isn't really the best sample of people seeing as how amusement parks tend to attract the unattractive. I don't know what it is...but it's true.

After King's Island, Sabrina took me to Bob Evans -- more delicious than I even remembered, which considering how I crave their cheesy potato soup and rolls on a regular basis, is saying something.

Over all the trip was too short, very pleasant and worth every penny. I just wish I had taken more pictures.

Wesley Woods 2009

Please excuse the hideousness that camp often brings to photos. But I did promise to post some...and here they are.

We've been going to Wesley Woods for over 20 years. I have so many fond memories of Wesley Woods, and it's hard to imagine a year when we wouldn't go (although getting easier with the fear that one day they're going to put ME in charge of something...*shudder*)

But the more we try to come with an idea of where else we could go... It just doesn't seem like there is anything that can service our family better. Wesley Woods is secluded, but it's a campground - so we're plenty spread out with different activities such as a pool, BASKETBALL, playground, pond for fishing and paddle boating, crafts, card games and of course, kitchen duty.

The camp is a lot of work. There is a lot of packing that you have to worry about. We're only there from Thursday to Sunday. But that means bringing fans to keep cool (it's HOT & STICKY nearly every year), plenty of clothes for basketball, swimming and everything in between, blankets, linens, and LOTS of food that all has to be prepared. And then making sure it is clean enough that they let us come back the next year.


I wanted to post the video Camille made...but can't figure out how to do it. I will try again at some point...