Summer Vacation

Ashby and I spent 13 days in UTAH! We flew out to SLC on June 24th and spent the mid-night hours with Aunt Peggy! We ended up going to the Reunion on Friday Night and had a blast with all Peggy's girls and their families! It was so much fun. Ashby loved playing all the crazzzy games such as Werewolf and Settlers. We played until 2am. On Saturday the rest of the families came for the morning activities and board meeting. Russ and I made Rootbeer (grampa's favorite). We had over 100 family members there. Kelly had everyone active in playing minute games which really got everyone involved. It was good to see so many Barkers that I haven't seen in years.

Ashby and I went back to SLC to rent a car and then drive 4 1/2 hours to St. George. Here we were greeted with the "BLACK CAT" of Austin and Miles. We spent 3 days with these cousins. We went to the musical Tarzan and Ashby tried out the ATV and Skin Boarding. IT was really hard to pull him away from it.

We drove back to the Saga Girls Night at the movies! It was so much fun going to the Eclipse Theatre with the crazy cousins theme party! We all dress up and got wild over Jacob and Edward. It was really hard to choose for some, but I'll take Jacob over Edward any day.

We spent the next few days with Peggy and Paul and their AWESOME FAMILIES! On Saturday we went to Thayne Wyoming to the ROGERS' REUNION. HERE WE HAD A BLAST!!!!! It was freezing going from 115* to 80* to 55* in Thayne. Ashby meet more exciting people and made friends with all. He had fun buying fireworks and setting them off in the parking lot at the park. He rode a horse and ATV and had just good ole fun. It was really hard to leave to come back to NY.

Ashby spent the next week sleeping in and staying up late. He has been swimming in his competitions and doing well. He chose not to go to practice, but that didn't stop the 1,2,3 placings! In Fact on Saturday they won their first dual meet of the season to Rhinebeck. It was fantastic!!!!

Today he went to Camp Trimount for a week of SCOUT CAMP. Then on Sunday the 25th of JULY he will be going to the NATIONAL JAMBOREE at FORT AP Hill Virginia! WHAT AN EXPERIENCE.

Courtney moved out to her new apartment and she is really looking forward to being on her own. I will miss her greatly! She has so many things that I don't think she knew she could fill the apartment up so quickly. I think her apartment in Greenville, NC was larger (?) oh well, it is a really sweet, clean apartment in a decent area of Kingston! She has access to walking to shops and eateries. Deitz Stadium isn't too far of a walk either! I am so happy for her. It is an accomplishment when your children move on with their lives. I worry about her working so many hours though.

Ross got new glasses and contacts. He is doing well with the contact thing! He has helped me around the house so much. He finally helped me close up the birds nest in the roof. A bird built a nest in the sofette above the hot tub. I haven't seen any birds going in or out of it for days so I think it was safe to close it up. He is a wonderful help keeping the yard looking nice! Thanks so much!

well....I must end with the fact that I have the best sisters! I am sure that Kelly,Cobi,Natti and Sadie all think they do, BUT....I beat them all....Peggy and Susan are the most kind, loving, supportive, and beautiful women in this world! I can see why Peggy's girls think they have it good, but they must because they are the off springs of the best and most loving sister. Kuddos to the Women Power!

I send all my love out to you sisters. Remember God is all around us, handing us the strength and courage and granting us the privileges of sisterhood. USE IT TO PROMOTE GREATNESS IN ALL WOMEN!