So where does one find a place BIG enough for 45+ people to eat, sleep and play???
Well Steve and I were granted the "pleasantries" of finding a Helm-friendly place.
Not an easy task, BUT we did it!
After hours and hours of searching and phone calls...
Steve stumbled upon the Aspen Grove Inn in Ririe, Idaho.
Steve stumbled upon the Aspen Grove Inn in Ririe, Idaho.
Sharon, the excited easy going owner,
couldn't wait for us to enjoy our stay come December.
The price was right, the space was acceptable,
and location, perfect!
We were welcomed with festive lights, a cozy fire,
hot cocoa machine, and Sharon took us on a tour of the Inn
and made us a yummy cream cheese chip dip for all to enjoy!
Ava enjoying the snow
Cousins: Kaybree, Luke, Addie, Paige
Noah
SLEDDING
Thank you Uncle Dustin for the many many rides.
The kids had a blast!
Justis, Ethan, REED, Shae
Ethan, REED, NOAH, Luke, Justis, Riley, Kaybree
Anna, Addie, AVA, Makayla, PAIGE
Kate, Luke, REED, NOAH
Makayla, PAIGE, NOAH, Ethan
Ava on an adventure
The Aftermath of a sledding mishap-Poor little Ava veered
going up the side of a snow bank and flipped off the sled
bonking her head. She was so brave. We cleaned her up
and then kept a little butterfly bandage on.
She liked the "special" bandage.
Sherri trying out the all terrain bike
CUPCAKE WARS
we decided a family friendly Cupcake wars would be
a fun activity. We made groups of about 5-6 people,
had them pick out of a cup the following:
1-cake mix (chocolate or vanilla)
2-frosting (chocolate or vanilla)
3-flavors: a savory/spice, a sweet, sour
4-each team had a certain amount of time
to make, bake, and create their very own cupcake
including the 3 add in ingredients.
It was so fun to see everyone's creativity, working together,
and surprisingly tasty cupcakes
We had a judging panel
Everyone had the opportunity to describe and "sell" their cupcake
THE HOT SAUCE CHALLENGE
Nate and Aimee threw a hot sauce challenge
that will go down in Helm history!
They purchased 5 sauces ranging in intensity
The Wicked Tickle was THE SERIOUS flame thrower
Everyone who wanted to participate, lined up. Aimee measured the sauce with a pipette
then placed it on a chip and went down the line of contestants.
Gradually moving from one sauce to the next, and contestants dropping out
with no desire to continue their torture. Those who were done
were greeted with some vanilla ice cream and those still in competition,
braved the intense pain of hot sauce!
My boys are so brave!
Determined!
Competitive!
Melissa, Justis, Seth, Jamison, Noah
Noah was number 4 and couldn't hold it in any longer...
I found him in the bathroom, red as can be.
I was a bit concerned this may be child abuse? Don't turn me in.
Notice the tears? Oh the relief of ice cream.
The Top THREE FINALIST of the HOT SAUCE challenge
Melissa, Jamison, Seth
Jamison was THE MOST determined contestant! $ speaks to this boy.
Darren announced he'd give the winner $20 so who do you think braves the craziness??
JAMISON!!!
He was trying so hard. He was ready for the wicked tickle
when the door and bushes outside spoke to him. Adios hot sauce!
2nd place was pretty darn AMAZING!!!
Darren couldn't believe this tough guy was their till the end.
He gave him $10 and Jamison was perfectly happy with that!
Grandma Tootsie-The girls always go goo for grandma
and baby Mia(Melissa's baby)
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Steve took the boys and Paige (first time)
skiing at Kelly Canyon.
We colored a lot, played games, played in the snow,
ATE A LOT, talent night(Reed and I played the piano)
We had a FIESTA with Pinata and pictures, lip syncs
(Reed and I lip sync "Feliz Cumpleanos")
white elephant exchange, Cupcake wars, slideshow.
Chelsea's homecoming,
T-shirts "HELM fire Brent and PAMnation"
Family...Brent, Pamela-Amie, John, Caleb (fiancé Ashlee)
(Tyler on a mission in Mexico) Seth, Ethan, Luke
-Camille, Steve, Chelsea, (Harrison on mission in California)
Justis, Anna (Melissa, Mia)
- Darren, JoAnne, Haylee, Maycee, Graycee, Kaybree
-Dustin, Sherri, Emily, Aidan, Riley, Hattie
-April, Geoff, Hannah, Kate, Eva, Autumn
-Steve, Brittany, Noah, Reed, Jamison, Paige, Ava
-Nate, Aimee, Shae, Addie, Makayla, Brie
(Grandma Hattie came to visit)
*This week Steve Moon was just diagnosed with cancer and
we were truly grateful he was to able to celebrate with us.
