The Branch and the Missionaries

Haines has a small branch. There are less than 30 people on the rolls. Even less than that come to church. Caleb commented once on the fact that his primary class from home in Highland was bigger than the entire primary here in Haines. But although it is small, the people are great! It's like a home away from home. Kristen and I have both had opportunities to speak in sacrament meeting and teach lessons in Elders Quorum and Relief Society. I think they are happy to have some variety!
We have also had the chance to get to know the missionaries. We've taken advantage of opportunities to have them over for dinner. In fact, they spent one entire p-day with us. We ate lunch, then went fishing for a couple hours (which is legal for the missionaries to do), and then they came back over for dinner and some games. Our children loved them. Back home we never get the chance to have the missionaries over. It has been a great experience for our kids to get to know these wonderful young men, to feel the spirit of their messages, and to see a little more about what they do. Thanks, Elders. Your little time has made a huge impact!

The Haines branch meeting house

the little cabin on the right is where the Elders stayed

Joe and Judy Whitaker, who have become our good friends

Other branch members

Branch camp-out--celebrating the 24th of July

Elder Ivan and Caleb fishing the river

Elder Smoot & Elder Ivan

Canoeing in the Bay

It is so nice to have access to a canoe and life jackets. Everyone has fun going out. We've seen bear while out there, lots of eagles, and have caught some strange fish. The boys have enjoyed going out in the canoe on their own, too. The only one who hasn't got to go is Kylie. Sorry Kylie!

Cabin Fever

Even with the beauty all around us, we still spent a fair amount of time in the cabin. The weather, bears, and mosquitos kept us in-doors quite a bit. But we still had plenty to do. Between reading (I'm amazed at how many books the boys have read), watching movies, playing games, indoor basketball, making things, loving Kylie, and enjoying the beautiful views out the window, being inside wasn't too bad (well, most of the time)!

A friendly game of "stink boggle" (don't ask!)

Making peanut-butter dough creations

Roasting marsh-mellows over the stove

Not sure what Caleb is doing--creating his own long hair, I think.

Katelyn cleaning the kitchen

Holding my baby girl

Being lazy on the couch (we did a lot of that).

A yummy package from Grandma. Lots of good stuff!

A fishing boat out in the cove

A shot from the deck

Katelyn enjoying the view out her bedroom

A pancake re-heat in the microwave gone wrong! Pushed the easy to use "1 minute" button, but forgot to take it out after the only needed 15 seconds. Flames and lots of smoke! Oops.

The boys playing basketball on their little nerf hoop