One Golden Night, One Golden Family

My sister will sometimes have what she calls the "after vacation blues."I think it is just a plain "Hebgen Lake Withdrawal."I don't stay nearly as long as she does and I am experiencing a withdrawal right now.

Honestly, there is something MAGICAL and SPECIAL about THAT PLACE, and this year I felt it to the extent of my inner core. Maybe it is not that THE PLACE is MAGICAL so much as the Pete and Michelle Bodine Family and Howard and Lisa Hart Family have created MAGIC for THAT PLACE.

Is it because they know how to make every moment count?

Is it because they have opened their minds to the wonders of nature, not just viewing it, but learning and applying it?

Is it because every year they have a craft from shrink art jewelry to felt paintings, hair wraps, friendship bracelets, fleece blankets, crochet hats, window art, jewelry made of washers and scrapbook paper and who knows what else?

Is it because every morning it is a guaranteed smooth ski or wave surf?

Is it the incredulous storms that appear late in the afternoons?

Is it the wildlife...the star gazing?

Is it the visits to West for the Playmill, loud laughter and homemade fudge?

Is it the wildlife tee shirt of the year?

Is it the fact that their generosity extends to families and friends, and then when guests come, they make everyone feel like family?

Is it because of the late night games and stories?

Is it because there is a wide variety of activities (4 wheeling, biking, hiking, nature walks, snipe hunting, bat counting, treasure hunts, wave runners, boating, tube rides, skiing, wave surfing and wake boarding, BOB, fishing, floating the Madison, visiting the sites, smores, picnicking, etc.)

Is it the cozy meals and cramped sleeping quarters?

Is it the quaint, charming decor of the cabin?

Is it the fact that their warmth and friendliness include the surrounding neighbors? (I am almost positive others plan their summer stay around when the Bodines/Harts will be there.)

Is it because they have improved and brought needed changes like a newer, safer stairs and boat dock?

Is it because there is still a spiritual component in discussion and attending sacrament meetings in the Park and in West?

Is it because my nieces and nephews are the coolest, the funnest, the hippest and blow cool over the edge?

Is it because every bathroom is chalk full of Bath and Body Works Lotions, Soaps, Shampoos, a rainbow of Venus Razors and toothbrushes?

Is it because there is a system, a real house of order that is set so that everyone pitches in and takes part and a certain amount of that system also is devoted to flexibility and spontanaiety?

Is it because even the Chipmunk has a place, a name (Davey) and feels welcome there?

Is it because you get to learn new words and phrases (random, awkward moment, retro, metro, bcote?)

Is it the "hot cocomotion" and the "whip creamer?"

Is it the array of desserts? (oreos and whip cream? peanut butter spread atop cookies? fudge stripe smores? "Bring it to the Idaho Fair."

Is it the contagious laughs, the infectious smiles and allergy sniffles?

Is it because the stars appear to shine brighter and be more numerous?

Is it because the sounds of the city and the fast pace of the world are put on hold to enjoy moments of a higher nature?

Is it because the Adults get to act like Children (Howard in floral swim cap and two ski Tuesday) and Children get to act like Adults?(like when Mallory was asked to move the car and Noah gets to drive mom on the wave runner)

Is it because there are unlimited opportunities for fantabulous photo shoots and pictures?

Is it the magnificent sunrises and brilliant sunsets?

Is it the "grow a moose" in a bucket of water?

Is it because Madeline is a Playmill Star and the rest of the Family is a Star Audience?(literally received their own ovation from the Cast when they came through the door)

Is it because there is a personal library brought to the cabin and a few classic dvd's for wholesome entertainment?

Is it the bronze tan and golden highlights in your hair that give you a look of refreshemnt, revival and relaxation?

Is it the night swims, the swim to the point, the brave jaunt off the steep blue slide?

Is it the warmth of tradition?

Is it the fact that you are reminded that "families are forever" and there is no one else I would rather be forever with?

Is it all of the above and more? Yes, and so much more that words escape me. This year I would say there was a bonus

--One Golden Moment for One Golden Family--for one glorious evening every sibling shared an evening together with their amazing parents in their Golden Years of Life.

One can only be too grateful for those making these MAGICAL MOMENTS possible.

What Noah and I learned from the Bodines and Harts: Hebgen never loses it's MAGIC.

Let Me Introduce You to BOB!

When you are a member of the Bodine/Hart clan and have been coming to Hebgen Lake for the past 10 plus years, there is so much to do, see, hear, etc. Back in my day it was all about me getting up on waterskiis and then being good at it. Not for this group. It is about having the most fun, being silly, trying new things, coming up with new things. Today, I was in for a real treat. I had the privelege of meeting BOB.

My nieces and nephews adorned in trendy wet suits, boarded the boat with a colorful, inflatable tube. Noah and I were along for the ride. Pete, the driver of the boat, found an ideal spot away from other boating traffic. When the boat stopped, the participants jumped in the water. I found it rather interesting that my nephews reached for the pink tubes???? From there, they climbed aboard a tube, joined hands and then Pete circled them conjuring up all kinds of wakes and waves. From the boat, that is what we saw, colorful tubes and people in wetsuits BOBBING up and down.

It wasn't long before my daring, adventurous, crazy nieces and nephews went for the straight BOB--no tubes, just life vests.There were roars and shouts and it was obvious, the more BOBS the merrrier. There were times that I thought the boat got dangerously close, but Pete was and is trustworthy and everyone else thought it enhanced the excitement.

Will I play with BOB? Maybe next trip.

What I learned from the Participants: It is not about looking good, it is about
having fun. BOB ON... DUDES!