Sorry we're late

Yesterday was a blur of activity. Work in the morning and then a hike to the high mountain lake Darling in the afternoon. The hikers set off with a myriad of plans; fishing, swimming, and napping. Some of our group reached the lake well before others but in the end we all made the trek and found ourselves facing one of the more spectacular views that God has ever created. At that time various plans were put into action to varying degrees of success. Tim managed a nap in his hammock that he carried. Nathan, Misha, Dave, and Karen headed around the lake and managed to catch around 20 fish, unfortunately, Tom was left with no worms and no trail to follow and managed to fish only for mud as he worked his way around the opposite side of the lake. But he was not alone. Kristina waded into Lake Darling and it responded warmly wrapping its muddy shores around her legs right up to her thighs. At this point Kristina decided that perhaps the lake was a bit too fresh and she kept her feet planted firmly out of the water for the rest of the time.
In the evening there was a rush to finish out the chess and ladder golf tournaments. Nathan and Megan beat out Myleah and Chris at Ladder Golf and Chris and Kaitlyn played a tense game of chess ending in a stalemate. As they began another game the air was full of anticipation and in the end Kaitlyn won the game setting up a father-daughter final game and securing the trophy no matter the outcome for Goat. Randy did manage to pull out a win but next year may be Kaitlyn's year.
This morning we said tearful goodbyes to the Becks and Uthoffs and found ourselves amazed at how the time flew by. But we entrust them to God's care for another year remembering fondly the laughs and joy of their presence and anticipating being with them again next year.

Young Thomas super-enjoyed his super nachos!

Kathy, Pam, and Kris make sure everything is running smoothly in the kitchen

Pam observes afternoon work on Finn

Tommy in the tub!

Tim and Mary work on Finn

Rainy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons

We have a new addition on the hill.  Tom put this cross in to be the backdrop to the new fire pit.  All of these improvements are being made for the bible camp that begins next week.  We are very excited to see our little camp on the hill start to fulfill its larger mission.

As promised, here are some photos from our Sunday worship.  We were led by a the worship team of David, Steve, and Karen.  Mycah shared a moving personal testimony and dance for the message.

This video is from our prayer for breakfast this morning, and comes because of a special request from Grandma.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHwESUlRKTw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Finally, here are some random photos from the week.

The Kiddos hard at play

We have had some interesting weather this year, this is just a sample.

Tommy having a munch

Daniel is clearly a disc golf champion in the making

Back to Work

Well, Monday on the hill means we are back to work after a restful Sunday off.  This morning, work crews continued to make progress on the various projects that we have taken on this year.  The Kiddie Committee had a good time playing games, as you can see!

The work on "Finn" is coming along nicely.  All four walls are up and some of the siding is being added.

Nate and Kaitlyn waiting around for orders

The view from Huckleberry

Tim and Steve adding the top plate

Steady progress has been made on getting the Ark ready for Dave and June.

Jay and Tom discuss important details of the project

While a little cluttered now, it will look great in no time!      

Mary and Kathy pulling wire for the electrical

With the bible camp taking place right after family camp, there is a need to do some work for improving the fire pit.  Today we started with the process of making new benches.

Randy using the belt sander to smooth the seats

We are really pleased that Saul has been able to join us this year.  He got in at supper time last night and was hard at work this morning.

The disc golf course has taken on a professional look this year with the addition of signs at the start of each hole.  They are now placed, and the course is seeing heavy use.

Finally, Tommy went on his first every swimming trip to the lake today!  He was a natural, and really seemed to enjoy the cool water.

Oh, I almost forgot...MORE FOOD!!!

Beth and Pam Showing off a fine pan of Scotcheroos

Lazy Sunday on the Hill

Well, we have had a few days of rain now.  But the quiet patter of rain was a fine accompaniment to the joyful sounds of worship as we had our annual church service this morning.  Unfortunately, the pictures of the service will have to wait until tomorrow, as they are on a camera that I don't have access to at this time.  I promise they will be posted soon.  The rest of the day has been spent relaxing and enjoying the bit of sun that made an appearance after lunch.

The ladies also took this afternoon to celebrate the exciting upcoming marriage by holding a shower for Meran at the church in Clark Fork.  By all reports, this was a great event, but once again I don't have access to the photos, so those will have to come in a later post as well.

On to the photos I do have.  There are plans for a spa tonight in the pavilion.  Yes, you did read that correctly, we have gone upscale here on the hill, and Maren has volunteered her services to anyone seeking some rest and relaxation.  They have converted the far end of the pavilion into a very nice location to be pampered a bit.

A waiting area with comfy looking chairs

The sheeted off area contains a massage table

We have also finished with the signs for the cabins and they are hanging proudly over the front porches.

And finally, I know one of the most important parts of coming up to the ranch every year is how well we eat.  This year has not failed in the respect.  So to end this post I will give you just a small taste of what we will be tasting in a short while.

      

Tommy!

It seems that Tommy has quickly become the center of photographic attention and in all honesty perhaps is a way that is how it should be. welcoming a new life and documenting their every move. And lets face it...being the only baby on the ground he really has no competition. Some of the campers try and fit into the frame with this new Shadow Valley Camp celebrity but who are we kidding...he completely steals the show.

Karen swinging Tommy

It truly has been such a blessing to have little Tommy here, the newest blessing God has given to his parents first and then to the rest of us.

In general though the camp had a very relaxed day today. it was raining fairly hard this morning and we all thought that it would stay that way through the day. However, the rain did finally lift and the sunshine came out play again. so some work crews resumed and others...well they can wait.

 A few walls did manage to go up for Finn and I think that pleases Myleah quite well. 

As at almost every camp a game of Chizhik did not go without a try. though I think the idea of a flying stick has got most of the cousins bowing out as of late.

 An event that we must update you on that somehow got missed....Karen cutting off mikes hair. Yes it was quite an event or at least that's the word around camp :D

 Earlier taking cover from the rain earlier...yes that is Meran with pink hair.

Uncle Randy teaching devotions

Curry wraps...oh man these were so so good

First official camp work day

Chris and the grill...Myleah insisted on this shot :D

Watching Chris steadying himself in the back of that truck coming up the hill to camp solidified that yes he is now part of the walker clan.

Alaisyah's birthday cake

Gifts for the birthday girl

  The first day of camp began with the men making breakfast for everyone. So blessed by the men God has put in our lives. the eggs and muffins were delicious as always

 

They guys making breakfast

 

 Uncle Tom teaching devotions

 his captive audience. Even Tommy was taken by the story of Job.

Today the crews consisted of finishing off the camp signs, working some more on Finn ( the wooden tent), the kiddy committee cleaning up the play ground and making hand painted signs.

 The sign painting crew

 Finn Building Crew

The kiddy committee. Making signs for each horses tackle

 The Ark building crew.

And Yes the very important and often overlooked napping crew. Tommy was team leader...can't you tell?

Its dish water...really :D

Great first work day to camp. Plenty got done and after the work good fellowship followed as always.