Conference Weekend at Bear Lake Cabin

We just returned home from a fun weekend at Justin's Cabin at Bear Lake with Tyler & Maile. We had planned to go camping, but Tyler suggested this as an alternative. Once we heard it was supposed to rain all weekend, we were especially motivated to change our plans. This weekend was a relaxing getaway. Before Tyler and Maile arrived, we read our books enjoyed the view of the lake from the big deck. Shaelee, Annika, and Alec watched "The Santa Clause" on video. Once Tyler and Maile arrived, we ate Papa Murphy's chicken garlic pizza and munched on apples with caramel dip while whey showed us how to play "Sequence." We also watched "Christmas Vacation" downstairs in the family room.

It rained all day on Saturday, but it was quite a cosy feeling to be inside the warm cabin with the wood stove burning. We listened to both sessions of conference on the radio.

During all four sessions of conference Tyler, Maile,and Shaelee worked on a puzzle.

Bill always works on Legos during conference. This year Alec helped him.

Annika and Karlette made plastic canvas pumpkins while listening to conference on the radio--another tradition.

In between sessions we explored 3 of the Garden City gift shops and where we found magnets, postcards, and a cool beach sign for the cabin. It was fun looking at all of the expensive wood decor as well.

After the 2nd session, Bill and Tyler built a big bonfire outside (in the pouring rain) because they promised Justin they'd get rid of some old wood lying around the yard. Tyler said he singed his knuckles and arm hair it was so hot.

After dinner (grilled hamburgers and hotdogs), Tyler Maile, Bill, Shaelee, and I played a rousing game of "Hotels." Never before have we seen all the buildings and entrances placed on the board while everyone was still playing. The game lasted a long time because we were so evenly matched, but eventually Shaelee won.

Sunday morning Jamie and Jaden joined us about 10:15. Unfortunately, Jamie had to work both Friday and Saturday night, and Jaden had to play in pep band Friday night (and then attend the BYU-USU football game). Jaden also had an all-day band competition in Payson on Saturday. President Monson gave an excellent talk that morning on enjoying the moment and appreciation of the little things in life. We had a wonderful dinner between sessions of steak, potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, and Oreo pie.
Clean-up of the cabin was much easier than normal with two extra adults helping. On the way home (about 5:00), we stopped and took a few pictures in the Fall leaves.

Once we all arrived home, Maile showed me how to start our family blog and then she and Tyler showed us how to play a new game called "Settlers of Catan." It was a long, relaxed, enjoyable weekend!