May 21

Late last night Victoria and I were texting.... She said " It feels like you've all been gone quite long enough" Yes it's true!
We miss all of you at home.
-Carla

The night before last night there were big storms where we were. We didn't really realize how big they were at first, we were just watching the thunder and lightening. Mom was really tired and wanted to stop driving for the night so we just pulled off at some random exit that happened to lead to a state park. As we get to the campsite area we got texts from Dad telling us there are tornados and 60 mile an hour winds in our area. We park our camper and turn our little radio on and hear the weather warnings. Turns out, we went down in a valley with tons of trees and the storm passed over us without any serious winds. We laid out on the back bed and watched the lightning.

Yesterday, we drove the rest of the way to NITOC and hung out with some friends and watched some speeches. We camped right next to the cabins where the Leanders are staying.

May 22
Tait, Tess and Drew are outside with a group from Co. We're all staying in the same area.
Lori Leander and I made dinner in the RV for our families but we couldn't turn away the knocks on the door from their friends so we had about 14 over for dinner although they didn't all eat.
At one point we had every one sing happy birthday to my dear Mother in law she is 80 today.
I sent it off to her and we all had ice cream bars. After the kids left three sets of parents came to visit and I feel so loved and blessed :)
I felt poorly this am, so we got a slow start, but the camp ground has laundry facilities and so I filled 6 of the washing machines all at once, how grand to get that much laundry done so quickly.
I judged and timed some wonderful speeches and had some really wonderful conversations and interactions with friends.
My favorite part of this NITOC trip has been to see Kasey, it's been a year and I forgot what a really wonderful young man he is, how fun it is to have him around. His wit coupled with respect and kindness towards those around him is unparalleled.
I am disappointed that we are behind on memorizing but we do have two chapters memorized and the trip is not over.
It's 11:30 so I'm going to sleep... I've told the kids they could stay up as late as they like....I wonder when that will be. Goodnight all Carla